Labor Day Lift Off

This may not be a fair review because I failed to properly research this event (though the websites I reviewed were apparently unclear on this as well), but we drove down to the Springs for this and it was a massive disappointment. I'm leaving this review so nobody else makes the same mistake. This was more of an event that occurs a few times and not a festival.The event occurs, from what I could tell, in spurts: call it early AM launch and evening glow. I had been misled by a previous experience at a balloon festival in NY which was an all-day event with the ability to go up in a tethered balloon all day as well as half-day rides, food, games...basic festival stuff. That is not what Labor Day Lift Off is.We got to Labor Day Lift Off in the Springs at maybe 10am and there was nothing: 1 of maybe 2 dozen food vendors open, no music, no people (maybe 20 of us walking around), no balloons at all...nothing.We used the opportunity to walk the park and check out the lake, but promptly left for food and entertainment. People that have gone to this event and witnessed it seem to have had a great time, but I doubt I'll attempt this again...maybe we'll give the glow a chance in the future.

Wow is all have to say! A great morning to see multiple hot air balloons lift off! Lots of people and food options. I love the location of the lift off! I will definitely be back next year!!

What better way to spend Labor Day Weekend in Colorado Springs than with your best girlfriends at Labor Day Lift Off?! None! ++ TONS of hot air balloons taking off at 7 am from Memorial Park!++ Opportunities to watch them dip the baskets in Prospect Lake!++ Various vendors peddling their wares - including traditional "fair foods."++ Bouncy house for kids.++ A "Glow" in the evening where they count down and light up the balloons on the ground!!++ Did I mention FREE admission?!Mountain views and hot air balloons! What else can you ask for!?The only bummer was that due to limited visibility they were unable to do the third morning launch on Monday, but I can't hold that against them for such a fantastic experience. Labor Day Lift off is def an event I'll look into checking out again in the future!!

My favorite Colorado Springs event! It is so fun watching the balloons take off in the morning and glow at night. There is everything from your typical hot air balloon to Yoda, Darth Vader, and this year a SLOTH!!! A few tips...get there between 6:00 and 6:30 am. They start laying them out and they start taking off around 7:30 am. They have two waves, so don't leave too early! If you don't mind walking, park a little ways out. It makes it a lot easier to leave. They do have pay to park and right now it is $5 to $10. Watch the weather... if it is too windy They won't go up. The glow is really cool but 3 times as busy. The food lines can be insanely long at night. Do not forget your camera!

Great way to spend a day! Get up early, watch take off with cup of hot cocoa...then come back in evening for balloon glow. Very romantic! AWEmazing sights for sure.