Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns to Washington, Utah for Fifth Annual Celebration

The Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Southern Utah this weekend for its fifth annual celebration, bringing approximately 30 hot air balloon pilots to Staheli Family Farm for two days of spectacular flight, family entertainment, and community gathering during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

The festival, hosted by the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Staheli Family Farm located at 3400 S Washington Fields Road in Washington, Utah. Admission and parking for the festival are free, making it an accessible outing for families throughout the region.

Morning Balloon Launches

Each morning begins with hot air balloon launches (weather permitting), offering spectacular views as balloons rise into the winter sky. The launches take place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. both days, with dozens of colorful balloons ascending against the backdrop of Southern Utah's iconic red rock landscape. Attendees wishing to see the full inflation and launch process should arrive by 6:30 a.m.

Tethered Balloon Rides

Tethered balloon rides are available both days from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for riders age 3 and older—a bird's-eye way to experience the festival from above. The rides, which lift passengers 50-100 feet while safely anchored to the ground, provide stunning views of the festival grounds and surrounding Washington Fields area.

Tethered rides cost $30 per person and must be purchased in advance online at upandawayballoonfestival.com—no tickets are sold at the farm. Ticket holders should bring their QR code confirmation (printed or on a smartphone) for check-in. If weather causes rides to be canceled, refunds will be given. As of this writing, Saturday's tethered ride tickets have already sold out, though Friday tickets remain available.

Daytime Entertainment and Attractions

Beyond the balloons, the festival offers a full slate of family-friendly activities. With 30 balloons, live entertainment, over 100 vendors, food trucks, two balloon glows, and a classic car show, there is something for everyone.

The vendor and craft fair, featuring local artisans and crafters, opens at 4 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday. Food trucks will be on site throughout both days.

The Rising Star Talent Competition showcases local performers competing for prizes, with shows at 5 p.m. on Friday and at both 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. A Classic Car Show takes place Saturday at 10 a.m.

Evening Balloon Glow

The festival's signature event, the Balloon Glow, takes place each evening at 6:30 p.m. As the sun sets, the balloon glow becomes a highlight of the festival. During this magical display, tethered balloons inflate on the ground and illuminate in synchronized bursts of flame, creating a stunning visual of color and light against the twilight sky. The glow provides exceptional photo opportunities and a memorable atmosphere for attendees of all ages.

Festival History and Growth

The Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival first launched in September 2021 at Staheli Family Farm. Since then, the event has established itself as a beloved Martin Luther King Jr. weekend tradition in Washington County. The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event, which has grown significantly over the years. Attendance has exceeded 12,000 people in recent years, and the festival now features around 30 balloon pilots, up from approximately 23 in its early years.

Weather and Planning Tips

All balloon activities are weather-dependent. Wind speeds, precipitation, and visibility affect flight safety decisions made by experienced pilots and event organizers. Ground-based activities such as the vendor fair, talent competition, car show, and food trucks continue regardless of balloon launch status.

Attendees are advised to dress in layers, as desert mornings can be chilly while afternoons warm considerably. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and cameras are recommended. Parking fills quickly during peak times, so early arrival is encouraged—by 6:30 a.m. for morning launches and by 5:30 p.m. for the evening Balloon Glow.

A Big Weekend for Southern Utah

The Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of several notable events happening in the Greater Zion area this weekend. St. George will mark a historic milestone this Saturday, January 17, 2026, as the city combines its annual Heritage Day celebration with the grand opening of its new City Hall at 61 South Main Street. That celebration features an 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, free root beer floats from noon to 2 p.m., and free admission to several city amenities including the St. George Carousel, SunTran bus rides, the Recreation Center, and Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. Families looking to make the most of the holiday weekend could easily attend the balloon festival's morning launch in Washington, then head to downtown St. George for the Heritage Day festivities.

For real-time updates on balloon launch status, visitors should follow the festival's social media channels. For more information about the Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival, visitors can contact the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce at (435) 879-3515 or visit upandawayballoonfestival.com.

Sources

• Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Festival Official Website: upandawayballoonfestival.com
• Greater Zion (Washington County Tourism): greaterzion.com
• City of St. George Official Website: sgcityutah.gov

Photo by Heather Watkins, Confetti Balloons

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