Welcome to the
Bluff International Balloon Festival
January 17 – 19, 2025
Celebrating Our 26th Year in 2025
Make plans to join us during the Martin Luther King holiday weekend to witness the spectacular display of colorful hot air balloons against red rocks and immerse yourself in the charm of our fine little festival.
A detailed schedule will be posted closer to the festival. Stay connected by following our Facebook page for the latest updates and captivating moments from past celebrations. For more information about the event, view the Schedule of Events and the Frequently Asked Questions below.
Experience the magic of the Bluff Balloon Festival by watching the video below. We think it captures the vibrant spirit and unforgettable moments of this magical weekend. Thank you to The Good Line for this video.
The Bluff International Balloon Festival is proudly brought to you by dedicated volunteers from the Business Owners of Bluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Charge for the Festival?
The Bluff Balloon Festival is free to spectators. Some events held during the festival have a charge for food.
Where Do The Balloons Fly?
On Friday and Saturday, the balloons will fly over Bluff. On Sunday, balloons will fly over Valley of the Gods, weather permitting.
How Do I Fly in a Balloon?
To fly in a balloon during the Bluff Balloon Festival, you must sponsor a balloon during the festival. Sorry, SPONSORSHIPS ARE SOLD OUT for the 2024 festival. Individual rides, other than for sponsors, are not available.
Can I Watch the Balloons Fly?
Of course! January is a great time to visit Bluff and watch colorful, hot air balloons soar over our red rocks. Balloons are launched at various places around town, so it’s a great opportunity to see hot air balloons up close.
When Do the Balloons Fly?
The balloons fly very early in the morning, just after sunrise. Each day during the Balloon Festival, a pilot briefing occurs before dawn to advise the balloon pilots on expected weather conditions for that day. Should weather conditions not be optimal, a decision is taken at the pilot briefing on whether balloons will fly or not.
In Bluff, Where Should I Go To Watch the Balloons Fly?
We often get the question, “Where will the balloons launch in Bluff?” There is no set launch site. It will depend on the weather conditions that morning and pilot preference. Balloons can go up or down with hot air. But, the wind carries the balloon from side to side.
Twin Rocks parking lot is a good bet for a launch site. Likely, some will launch near the Community Center. Some visitors park atop Cemetery Hill to watch, but please be respectful if you go there. Click here, to view a map of Bluff.
What Is Open in Bluff During the Festival?
Please check back for updates.
How Do I Get An Application to Sell During the Art Fair?
Please check back for updates.
Support for Good Causes
Bluff Elementary School
The Bluff Balloon Festival enthusiastically supports the Bluff Elementary School. Each year, pilots come to the school to make and fly paper balloons with school children. It’s a fun and science all in one activity.
And, the Navajo Taco Supper is a major fundraiser for the Bluff Elementary School. Join us on Friday evening during the festival for a fun evening.
Local Artists
The Bluff Balloon Festival is proud to present an Art Fair on Saturday during the festival. Showcasing diverse mediums and styles, the fair fosters connections between artists and patrons, providing a vital marketplace for local creatives to thrive and gain recognition.
Visit with Respect
The area’s ruins and rock art are extremely fragile and are of important cultural significance. To preserve this important landscape for future generations, please refrain from touching rock art, moving artifacts, or leaning on dwelling walls.
In Valley of the Gods, now part of Bears Ears National Monument, we ask that you “Don’t Bust the Crust”. Stay on the existing trail and routes to protect the living cryptobiotic soil. Once stepped on, this fragile crust takes years to regrow.
On public lands, remember that all artifacts, rock art, and the prehistoric structures themselves are protected by law. It is illegal to remove artifacts, mark or write on the rocks, or damage the structures. Violations can result in hefty fines and even jail sentences.