Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival: Sept 24–28, 2025, A Complete Guide for Calgary Visitors

When the first cool mornings of fall arrive and the prairie sky starts its slow shift to autumn light, Southern Alberta prepares for one of its most photogenic traditions. The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival returns September 24 to 28, 2025, bringing dozens of colorful hot air balloons to the skies above High River, an easy drive south of Calgary. For five days, dawn launches and a dazzling evening glow turn fields into galleries and the sky into a living canvas. If you are planning a day trip or a full long‑weekend escape, this guide covers everything Calgary visitors need to know.

Note: Although the event takes place in High River, it is one of the most popular fall outings for Calgary families, photographers, and festival lovers. Below you will find locally focused tips on travel, parking, food, and itinerary ideas that pair perfectly with the balloon schedule.

What the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival Is All About

The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival is a multi‑day gathering of competitive balloon pilots from Canada, the United States, and abroad. The event is organized by the volunteer‑run High River Balloon Events Association and supported by the Heritage Inn Hotel as title sponsor. Each festival day typically features early‑morning competition flights and at least one headline evening event, often a crowd‑pleasing Balloon Glow, where tethered balloons light the night in time with music.

Because ballooning is weather dependent, the festival emphasizes flexibility and safety. Morning ascensions, competition tasks, and the glow can be postponed or canceled due to wind, fog, or rain. That element of suspense is part of the charm. When conditions line up, the sight of dozens of balloons rising at once is unforgettable.

Key Dates, Daily Rhythm, and What to Expect

When: Wednesday, September 24 to Sunday, September 28, 2025
Where: High River, Alberta, approximately 45 minutes south of Calgary via QEII and Hwy 2A
Who: 20 to 30 balloon teams in recent years, representing Canada and international clubs
Cost: Morning flight viewing is free. Glow night is free to attend, with food trucks and vendors on site.
Weather: Late September mornings can be near freezing at dawn; afternoons often reach the mid teens

Typical Daily Flow

Pre‑dawn to Morning: Pilots and crews set up at the launch field. Spectators are welcome in designated areas. Balloons inflate around sunrise for competitive tasks, which may include marker drops or navigation challenges using only wind layers at different altitudes.
Midday: No flights. Explore High River’s murals, cafes, and shops or plan a scenic loop through nearby Foothills towns.
Evening: A designated Balloon Glow night draws the biggest crowd. Tethered balloons inflate and “glow” with burner blasts, creating a lantern‑lit field of color. Expect music, food trucks, families on blankets, and lots of cameras.

Always check the festival’s official channels the night before and early morning for go/no‑go updates. Ballooning is a game of patience and reward. The best photos usually come to those who arrive early and stay flexible.

Getting There from Calgary, Parking, and Local Logistics

Driving from Calgary

Route: From Calgary, take QEII south to High River. Exit for Hwy 2A and follow festival signage.
Drive time: About 45–60 minutes from most Calgary neighborhoods, depending on traffic.
Best departure window: For dawn flights, leave Calgary by 5:00–5:30 a.m. to allow for parking, field access, and a prime viewing spot.

Parking and Access

Festival parking zones are announced closer to the event and may change with field conditions.
Morning flight fields can shift due to wind direction, since pilots launch based on safety and competition parameters. Follow festival social media and temporary signage the morning of.
For the Balloon Glow, plan to arrive 60–90 minutes early. The crowd is large, and prime lawn space goes fast.

Mobility Tips

Launch fields are often grassy and can be dewy or muddy. Wear waterproof footwear and bring a blanket or camp chairs.
Bring a headlamp for pre‑dawn footing and for packing up after the glow.
Families with strollers should be prepared for uneven ground.

What to Bring for Comfort and Photos

Layers: Pre‑dawn temperatures can be close to freezing. A base layer, warm sweater, insulated jacket, hat, and gloves keep you comfortable.
Footwear: Hiking shoes or waterproof boots for wet grass.
Seating: Compact chairs or a picnic blanket for glow night.
Hot drinks: A thermos of coffee or tea for chilly mornings. Food trucks typically arrive for the glow and some morning sessions.
Camera gear: A zoom lens in the 70–200 mm range captures balloon details, while a wide‑angle lens works for mass ascension scenes. For the glow, bring a tripod for low‑light shots.
Portable power: Extra battery or power bank, as you will be shooting often.

Family‑Friendly Planning for Calgarians

Arrive early, leave early: Young kids often enjoy the set‑up and inflation most. You can head back to Calgary before lunch and still feel like you had a full day.
Picnic plan: Pack breakfast snacks and a picnic to enjoy on the field after the launch.
Quiet corners: Move away from the densest crowd lines for easier viewing and room to roam.
Ear safety: The burner roar can be loud up close. Consider earmuffs for sensitive kids.

Where to Eat and What to Do Between Flights

In High River:

Downtown murals and shops: High River’s streets are full of Western‑themed murals and independent boutiques, many featuring local makers.
George Lane Memorial Park: A pleasant spot for a stroll and playground time.
Museum of the Highwood: Learn about regional history and film connections, including the town’s Heartland fame.

Day‑trip ideas for Calgary visitors:

Foothills tasting loop: Combine Okotoks coffee stops with Turner Valley’s Eau Claire Distillery and Black Diamond bakeries.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site: A short drive away, this Parks Canada site tells the story of ranching life with live demos.
Chinook Honey Company or Saskatoon Farm: Family friendly stops for treats and local products.

Calgary‑Specific Tips for the Balloon Festival

Transit pairing: You can combine the event with Calgary’s own fall calendar, such as Harvest sales in Inglewood or weekend farmers’ markets at Crossroads or Granary Road.
Photo printing in the city: If you capture a standout shot, stop at a Calgary photo lab in Bridgeland or 17 Ave SW for same‑day prints.
Make it a staycation: For a full weekend, book a room at the Heritage Inn in High River or choose a boutique hotel in Mission or Kensington and road‑trip south each morning.

Understanding Weather and Safety

Ballooning always defers to weather. Pilots assess wind speed, direction, thermal potential, and cloud cover. Even a sunny morning can be a no‑go if winds aloft are too strong. The festival’s social pages and website post live updates. For visitors, the most important mindset is flexibility. If a launch is scrubbed, use the time to explore High River or nearby Foothills and try again the next morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to watch?

Viewing the morning ascensions is free. The Balloon Glow is also free, with food vendors and merchandise on site.

Can I ride in a balloon?

The festival focuses on competition and display, so paid public rides are typically not offered during official flight windows. Some pilots or operators in the region may offer independent flights outside of competition times, but book well in advance.

Are dogs allowed?

Policies vary. Crowds, burners, and stakes make fields stressful and unsafe for many pets. Check the festival’s policies and consider leaving dogs at home.

What if I can only come for one day?

Aim for Saturday or Sunday morning and the designated glow night. The highest concentration of visitors comes on the weekend.

Sample Itinerary From Calgary

Day One, Friday

Depart Calgary at 5:30 a.m. for the dawn ascent.
Coffee and breakfast picnic on the field.
Explore High River murals and shops.
Lunch in Okotoks on the drive back.

Day Two, Saturday

Optional second dawn launch to catch a different wind direction and photos.
Afternoon Foothills loop to Turner Valley and Black Diamond.
Return to High River by 6 p.m. for Balloon Glow.
Head back to Calgary after the glow or spend the night locally.

Responsible Viewing and Local Etiquette

Stay outside pilot areas and respect ropes, vehicles, and crew directions.
Do not touch balloon fabric or gear unless invited.
Pack out all litter and help keep the fields pristine.
Be mindful of private property and posted signs when scouting photo vantage points.
Support local businesses. The festival is a major boost to High River and nearby communities.

Why This Festival Belongs on Every Calgarian’s Fall List

The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival is not just a sky show. It is a reminder of how wide and beautiful Southern Alberta can feel when you are standing in a field at sunrise, watching color rise into a pale blue morning. For Calgary families, it is an easy, memory‑rich escape. For photographers, it is a chance to create images that feel timeless. For anyone who loves this corner of the world, it is a celebration of community, resilience, and the simple joy of looking up.

Ready to make the most of September 24 to 28, 2025? Mark your calendar, check the forecast, pack your layers, and set an early alarm. Then point your car south from Calgary and go see the sky come alive at the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival.