October 16-18, 2026

Sand Hollow Balloon Festival 2026

Up and Away Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival — sunrise mass ascensions, tethered rides, evening balloon glow, and live music at Sand Hollow State Park

Quick Facts

Dates
October 16-18, 2026
Location
Sand Hollow State Park, Hurricane
Admission
$5-$10 + state park fee $15
Launches
Sunrise (~7 AM) + evening glow

The Sand Hollow Balloon Festival 2026 — officially known as the Up and Away Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival — returns October 16-18, 2026 to Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane, Utah. Commonly searched as the "St. George Balloon Festival" because of its proximity to the city, this three-day event has become one of Southern Utah's most photographed and celebrated annual festivals. Dozens of colorful hot air balloons launch at sunrise against the dramatic red rock backdrop of the surrounding desert, creating a visual spectacle that draws photographers, families, and travelers from across the intermountain west.

2026 Festival Weekend Schedule

The festival runs three full days with daily programming built around balloon launches, live music, and family activities:

  • Friday October 16 — Opening activities, afternoon live music, evening balloon glow (dusk)
  • Saturday October 17 — Sunrise mass ascension (7 AM), all-day festival activities, artisan market, food vendors, live music stages, evening balloon glow
  • Sunday October 18 — Final sunrise mass ascension (7 AM), morning festival activities, closing

Exact schedule details including specific music acts, vendor hours, and kids activity timing are confirmed by festival organizers closer to the event. Mass ascensions are weather-dependent — calm winds and good visibility are required for safe launches.

Why Sand Hollow is Perfect for Hot Air Balloons

Sand Hollow State Park's geography creates ideal conditions for hot air ballooning. The expansive open areas around the reservoir provide safe launch and landing zones. Predictable October morning weather in Southern Utah typically produces calm winds and low humidity perfect for balloon operations. The red rock cliffs and reservoir create a uniquely photogenic backdrop that has become iconic in Southern Utah tourism imagery. The park sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation — comfortable altitude for pilots while still providing dramatic views of surrounding terrain during flight.

Tethered Rides and Free Flights

Tethered balloon rides — where a balloon goes up 50-100 feet while attached to the ground — are available throughout the festival for $20-$40 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. These short rides provide an excellent introduction to ballooning and spectacular photo opportunities of the launch field and surrounding landscape. For full free-flight balloon rides (30-60 minute aerial tours over the reservoir and surrounding desert), contact participating pilots directly — these typically run $200-$300 per person and must be booked in advance as weather-dependent availability is limited.

Evening Balloon Glow

The balloon glow is widely considered the festival's most magical event. At dusk on Friday and Saturday evenings, pilots inflate their balloons on the ground (without launching) and ignite their burners in synchronized sequences — creating an illuminated cathedral of color against the darkening desert sky. Live music accompanies the glow, and the event typically lasts 30-45 minutes. The glow is one of the most photogenic festival moments — many of the iconic images you've seen of colorful balloons illuminated at twilight are from exactly this event.

Live Music and Festival Activities

Beyond the balloons, the Up and Away Festival features continuous live music across multiple stages, 50+ artisan and craft vendors selling jewelry, pottery, photography, textiles, and Southwestern art, food trucks serving breakfast (critical for early arrivals) and lunch options, a kids activity zone with face painting and inflatables, helicopter tour operators offering aerial experiences, and sometimes a beer garden for adult attendees. The festival creates a true destination weekend atmosphere rather than just a balloon viewing event.

Photography Tips for the Festival

Sand Hollow Balloon Festival is a bucket-list photography opportunity for photographers at every level. Key tips:

  • Arrive by 6:30 AM for sunrise launches to watch the inflation process — balloons laid out flat are dramatic subjects
  • Golden hour light from 6:45-7:30 AM creates the best color saturation and dramatic shadows
  • Bring wide and telephoto lenses — wide for launch field panoramas, telephoto for individual balloon compression shots
  • Tripods are welcome on spectator side of launch field for sharp low-light and long exposure shots
  • Drones are NOT permitted during balloon operations for safety reasons — leave the drone at home
  • Evening glow requires longer exposures — ISO 800-1600 with f/4-f/5.6 and 1/4 to 1 second shutter typical
  • Watch for reflections — the Sand Hollow reservoir can provide stunning balloon reflections during calm conditions

Getting to Sand Hollow

Sand Hollow State Park is located 20 minutes east of St. George via I-15 North to Exit 16, then SR-9 East toward Zion National Park. From Hurricane, the park is 5 minutes south on Sand Hollow Road. Parking within the state park is included with admission. During peak festival hours (sunrise launches and evening glow), the entrance can back up — arrive 45-60 minutes early to avoid missing launch timing. Shuttle service from overflow parking areas typically operates during the busiest times.

Lodging for Festival Weekend

Hotel inventory for balloon festival weekend fills fast. Recommended options by proximity:

  • Hurricane (closest, 5-15 min) — Holiday Inn Express Hurricane, Best Western Abbey Inn, Sand Hollow Resort cottages (immediately adjacent to park)
  • Washington / Coral Canyon (15-20 min) — Hampton Inn, Comfort Suites, vacation rentals in Coral Canyon community
  • St. George (20-25 min) — Hyatt Place, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Holiday Inn, Best Western Coral Hills
  • Vacation rentals — Airbnb and VRBO at Sand Hollow Resort and Coral Canyon work well for families and groups

Book at least 2-3 months in advance for October festival weekend — this is one of the busiest Southern Utah tourism weekends of the year.

Combining the Festival with Other Activities

October is ideal weather in Southern Utah with daytime highs of 70-85°F and low humidity. Many festival attendees extend their trips to enjoy:

  • Zion National Park — 30 minutes east, at its fall color peak
  • Snow Canyon State Park — 30 minutes west for hiking
  • Sand Hollow boating, SUP, and beach time at the state park itself
  • Off-road UTV experiences at Sand Mountain (adjacent to the park)
  • Downtown St. George restaurants and the St. George arts community
  • Scenic drives on SR-9 to Zion and beyond

Related Balloon Events in Utah

If you love the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival, consider also attending other Utah balloon events. The Balloons and Tunes Roundup happens in Kanab each September with dozens of balloons launching against Kanab's iconic red rock backdrop. Park City hosts an autumn balloon festival in northern Utah. Other intermountain west balloon events include the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (first week of October — the world's largest balloon event, timed just before Sand Hollow). Check the SGWOM events calendar and hot air balloon guide for additional regional balloon experiences.

Sand Hollow Balloon Festival 2026 FAQ

When is the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival 2026?
The Up and Away Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival — commonly called the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival — takes place October 16-18, 2026 at Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane, Utah. Balloon launches begin at sunrise each morning (approximately 7:00 AM), weather permitting. The festival runs three days with mass ascensions, tethered rides, live music, food vendors, artisan market, kids activities, and an evening balloon glow.
Where is the St. George Hot Air Balloon Festival held?
The festival is held at Sand Hollow State Park (3351 Sand Hollow Road, Hurricane, UT 84737) — approximately 20 minutes east of downtown St. George and 5 minutes south of Hurricane. The park's large open areas around the reservoir provide ideal launch conditions, and the red rock backdrop creates spectacular photography opportunities. While commonly searched as "St. George Balloon Festival," the actual venue is Sand Hollow in Hurricane.
What time do the hot air balloons launch?
Mass balloon ascensions begin at sunrise — approximately 7:00 AM each festival morning. Balloons are laid out starting around 6:00-6:30 AM, with inflation typically beginning around 6:45 AM. The best photography happens in the golden hour of sunrise light (6:45-7:30 AM). Arriving by 6:30 AM ensures you can watch the full inflation process. Evening balloon glow typically starts at dusk around 7:00-7:30 PM.
Can I ride in a hot air balloon at the festival?
Tethered balloon rides are available during the festival for a fee (typically $20-$40 per person) on a first-come, first-served basis. Tethered rides go up approximately 50-100 feet — enough to see over the balloon field but not a full free flight. For free-flight balloon rides (30-60 minute aerial experiences), contact individual balloon pilots directly as availability varies. Prices for free flights range from $200-$300 per person.
How much does it cost to attend the balloon festival?
General admission to the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival is typically $5-$10 per person or $15-$25 per carload. Children under 5 often admitted free. Utah State Parks entrance fees also apply ($15 day pass per vehicle). The festival accepts cash and cards at the gate. Tethered rides, food, drinks, and artisan market purchases are all separately priced.
Is the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival weather dependent?
Yes. Hot air balloons can only fly in calm winds (generally under 10 mph) and good visibility. October weather in Southern Utah is usually favorable with low humidity and predictable morning conditions, but launches can be cancelled for wind, rain, or unsafe conditions. Check festival social media the evening before and morning of your visit for updates. Even if morning launches are cancelled, festival activities typically continue throughout the day.
What is the evening balloon glow?
The balloon glow is a highlight of the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival. At dusk on Friday and Saturday evenings, balloons are inflated on the ground (not launched) and pilots light their burners in synchronized sequences, creating a stunning illuminated display against the darkening sky. Live music typically accompanies the glow. The glow usually lasts 30-45 minutes and is one of the most photographed festival events.
What is there to do at the festival besides watch balloons?
The Up and Away Festival features live music across multiple stages throughout the day, 50+ artisan and craft vendors, food trucks, kids activity zone with face painting and inflatables, tethered balloon rides, helicopter tours, sometimes a beer garden, and breakfast vendors for early morning attendees. The surrounding Sand Hollow State Park also offers boating, paddleboarding, and beach access during festival weekend.
Where should I stay for the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival?
Hurricane hotels are closest to Sand Hollow State Park: Holiday Inn Express Hurricane, Best Western Abbey Inn, and Sand Hollow Resort cottages (immediately adjacent to the park). St. George hotels are 20-25 minutes from the festival venue and offer more options including Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and multiple mid-range properties. Vacation rentals at Sand Hollow Resort and Coral Canyon work well for groups. Book 2-3 months in advance — October is peak season.
Where do I park for the balloon festival?
Sand Hollow State Park provides designated festival parking in lots near the launch field. During peak times (sunrise launches and evening glow), park entrance can back up — arrive 45-60 minutes early for morning launches to secure parking close to the launch field. Shuttle service from overflow parking areas typically operates during the busiest times. Follow signage from SR-9 for festival parking directions.
Can I take photos at the balloon festival?
Yes — photography is absolutely encouraged and the Sand Hollow Balloon Festival is one of the most photogenic events in Utah. The combination of colorful balloons, red rock backdrop, and Sand Hollow reservoir creates spectacular images. Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) produces the best light. Drones are NOT permitted during balloon operations for safety reasons — leave the drone at home. Tripods are welcome on the spectator side of the launch field.

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