Picture this: balloons of every hue, filling the sky with a rainbow of colors, dancing in the morning light. The Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival offers an open-air feast for the eyes. You don’t have to be up close to savor the wonder. From a safe distance or even your car, the view is simply spectacular. This is a visual treat that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Plan Your Trip - Admission is FREE!
Some suggested items to bring are rain gear, a warm jacket or coat if the weather is chilly in the morning, sunscreen if you plan to stay longer for other events planned, bug spray, and closed-toe footwear.
For 2025, we are hoping to offer balloon rides for purchase. More details and information will be provided when plans are firmly in place.
Event Location
Hot Springs Municipal Airport and Centennial Park, Downtown Hot Springs, South Dakota
Event Details
The 2025 schedule is subject to change at any time and without notice. Additional events to be added & updated as they are scheduled. Please make sure to follow Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival on Facebook for the latest updates on the weekend of the event.
Friday, August 22, 2025 - Centennial Park
- Our Festival kicks off in Centennial Park at Noon on Friday, August 23 in downtown Hot Springs, SD!
- 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Vendor Market in Centennial Park
- More Events – TBA
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Hot Springs Municipal Airport
6:00 am Balloon Launch*: Balloons launch from Hot Springs Municipal Airport (weather permitting).
- Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket as there is no bleacher seating provided this year.
- The Hot Springs Rotary Club will be selling concessions including coffee out at the airport.
- Don’t forget to buy your Official Festival T-Shirt!
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Centennial Park & Downtown Hot Springs
- Following the launch, head into Hot Springs for a day of fun!
- Centennial Park will feature vendors, food and live music!
- Look for incredible deals, sidewalk sales and specials throughout Hot Springs at our local Merchants.
- Saturday Night we are going to light up our downtown with glowing balloons and candlestick hot air balloon baskets. Time and places TBA.
- Full Schedule of Events – TBA
Sunday, August 24, 2025 - Hot Springs Municipal Airport
6:00 am Balloon Launch: Balloons launch from Hot Springs Municipal Airport (weather permitting).
- Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket as there is no bleacher seating provided this year.
- The Hot Springs Rotary Club will be selling concessions including coffee out at the airport.
- Don’t forget to buy your Official Festival T-Shirt!
Special Info
- All balloon-related activities are weather permitting.
- Use legal parking areas only. DO NOT park on our highways.
- No pets or alcohol/tobacco allowed at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport.
- Drones are NOT PERMITTED. While you may bring your camera or phone to capture the events, please do not bring drones or aerial devices of any kind to any of the festival events. We have a professional and licensed drone pilot that is the dedicated operator for this Festival, but all other DRONES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Thank you for your cooperation to help keep our pilots, passengers, and spectators safe.
