When Wonder Takes Flight: A First-Time Experience at the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off

There's something magical about witnessing beauty that leaves you speechless—those moments when the world seems to pause and offer you a gift you never knew you needed. For Chris and me, that moment came at the 2025 Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, an experience that transformed from a simple afternoon outing into something far more profound.

A Journey Worth Taking

Living in Parker, we'd somehow never made the hour-long drive south to Memorial Park in Colorado Springs for this incredible event. Maybe it was the timing, or perhaps life just kept us busy. But this year felt different. Despite my body's usual afternoon fatigue—a lingering reminder of my stroke—we decided to make the trip for the evening balloon glow.

What we discovered was more than just hot air balloons. We found a celebration of accessibility, community, and pure wonder.

More Than Just Balloons

The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off isn't your typical festival. With free admission, it removes one of the most common barriers to family experiences. Think about it—no ticket prices, no hidden fees. Just the cost of getting there and the willingness to be amazed.

As we walked through Memorial Park, I was struck by how thoughtfully designed the event was for people with varying abilities. The organizers clearly understand that everyone deserves to experience beauty:

• Wheelchair accessible hot air balloon rides with four-point harnesses through Rainbow Riders

• Free handicapped parking (though spots are limited and require valid government credentials)

• Clear pathways throughout the festival grounds

• Multiple viewing areas for different comfort levels

Note: If you use a wheelchair, plan to bring your own as rentals aren't available on-site.

The Magic Unfolds

At first, we saw white lines on the ground and numbered markers that seemed random. People sat in lawn chairs scattered across what looked like an enormous field. Then, like a choreographed dance, everything began to change.

Trucks arrived with baskets and equipment. What we'd been walking on was actually the launch field—the very place where magic would soon take flight.

Watching the balloons inflate was like being a child again. One moment there were folded tarps on the ground, and the next, these magnificent giants began rising around us. The hot air systems fired up with impressive bursts of flame, and suddenly we were surrounded by towering balloons in every direction.

Two became five. Five became ten. I lost count as the field transformed into a wonderland of color and anticipation.

The Balloon Glow: Pure Wonder

But the evening balloon glow—that's where the real magic happened. Instead of launching into the sky, the balloons stayed grounded and lit up like enormous lanterns against the darkening sky. The synchronized illumination created a breathtaking display that felt both intimate and grand.

Special shaped balloons added whimsy to the wonder. These aren't your standard tear-drop shapes—they're creative, playful, and absolutely captivating.

Standing there with Chris, taking photos and simply absorbing the beauty, I felt grateful in a way that's hard to put into words. My vision may not be what it once was, but it was more than enough to capture this incredible scene.

Beyond the Balloons

The festival offered so much more than the main attraction. A live band played on a substantial stage, drawing crowds who'd set up chairs for an impromptu concert under the stars. Food vendors lined the walkways offering everything from classic festival fare to Mexican and Asian cuisine—like the best kind of street market.

For those wanting a more premium experience, a secured beverage area near the stage provided table seating with alcoholic drinks, creating a relaxed atmosphere for adults to enjoy the music and ambiance.

A Bucket List Revelation

When I shared photos with friends, something unexpected happened. Two different people, in separate conversations, used the same phrase: "bucket list."

At first, I was puzzled. While incredible, was this really bucket list material?

Then one friend explained something that stopped me in my tracks: "When you have a disability, there are so many things you can't do for various reasons. But when you find something this beautiful, this accessible, this magical—and you can actually experience it—that absolutely goes on the bucket list."

Those words hit me deeply. Here was an event that didn't just accommodate people with disabilities—it welcomed them. It created an environment where anyone could experience wonder, regardless of their physical limitations.

Your Turn to Soar

Similar balloon festivals happen across the country, each offering their own unique magic. If you've never experienced one, I encourage you to seek one out. If you have mobility challenges, research the accessibility options beforehand—many festivals are working hard to be inclusive.

The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off reminded me that some of life's most beautiful experiences are also the most accessible. You don't need special skills or expensive equipment. You just need to show up, look up, and let yourself be amazed.

As I sat in the grass, surrounded by glowing giants and the gentle murmur of awed spectators, I realized something important: Wonder doesn't require perfection. It doesn't demand that we be at our best or strongest. It simply asks us to be present.

Whether this becomes your next adventure or a future goal, remember that experiences like these exist. They're waiting for you, accessible and free, ready to remind you that the world still holds magic for those willing to look up and see it.

Have you experienced the magic of a hot air balloon festival? Share your story in the comments below, and let's build a community of wonder-seekers who know that accessibility and beauty can go hand in hand.

The next Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2026. For other balloon festivals near you, check local event listings and festival websites for accessibility information and planning details.