Fifth Year, Biggest Yet
The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival opens in Medicine Hat today and runs through Sunday, May 24. Pilots from across North America are flying over the city across seven scheduled flight times and the whole thing is free.
Now in its fifth year, the festival is organized by Our Collective Journey, a Medicine Hat organization built around mental wellness and recovery coaching. The concept is deliberate: hot air balloons as something more than spectacle a visual argument for rising above. This year tops previous editions with more than 35 balloons registered, including special-shape balloons the organizers are keeping secret until they go up.
The Glow Events
Friday and Saturday evenings both feature a Balloon Glow at Kin Coulee Park, starting around 8:30 p.m. Balloons are tethered to the ground at dusk, burners firing periodically to keep them inflated and lit from within. Food trucks and family activities run alongside. This is the first year the festival has offered two glow nights.
Community Day at Medicine Hat College
Saturday's Community Day has moved from previous years it's now at Medicine Hat College and bigger than before. The day includes a free pancake breakfast, the Rise Up Market featuring local and regional vendors, a youth art party, yoga, and movies in the theatre.
What's Not Available This Year
Public balloon rides won't be happening. Organizers confirmed paid flights didn't come together with ride operators this year and will be revisited in the future. For those who want a closer experience, a Sunrise and Skylines VIP package is available hotel stay, dedicated transportation, and behind-the-scenes access.
Before You Go
All flight updates go out in real time on Instagram and Facebook at @RiseUpYXH. Launches are fully weather-dependent and locations can change within the hour before each event follow before you head out.
Sources:
Our Collective Journey — Rise Up Festival: ourcollectivejourney.ca/rise-up/welcome
Our Collective Journey — Event Schedule: ourcollectivejourney.ca/rise-up/event-schedule
