Medora’s Hot Air Balloon Rally To Return Sept 12-13

Hot air balloons hit the Badlands skies September 12-13th, and will North Dakotans gather round to take in the breathtaking view.

Andi Ahne

When And Where Do The Balloons Launch?

The rally is a sign that summer is winding down, and it coincides with the closing down of the Medora Musical for the season. The balloons take flight at the Medora campground entrance at 6:30 am, right along with the sunrise.

How Do I Get To Ride In A Hot Air Balloon?

This year, you can experience the view from above. There's a contest for hot air balloon rides running now through September 3rd. That's right, you can go up in a hot air balloon before the rally, September 11th. Check out the Medora website for details.

(Also Read: North Dakotans Can't Bring These Items To The MN State Fair In 2026)

Andi Ahne

What Is It Like To Watch The Launch?

If there's one thing I find particularly majestic, it's this Hot Air Balloon Rally in Medora. I remember the first time I went out to the hot air balloon rally; I was struggling with a pretty serious eye injury and told myself, I need to see something beautiful. It was a chilly morning, my nose was running, but once those balloons launched, it took all of my discomfort away; the view was unlike any other. I looked at all the balloons and spotted my favorite: a jack-o-lantern.

Andi Ahne

Good news! This isn't just a one-off event. Every year, the weekend after Labor Day, Medora is packed with family-friendly activities, including guided hikes, the kite festival, Medora Musical's final show (September 12th), and, of course, the hot air balloon rally.

Will The Hot Air Balloon Rally Get Cancelled Or Rescheduled?

Keep in mind, the Hot Air Balloon Rally depends heavily on the weather. You can subscribe for weather updates and stay up on the hot air balloon launch schedule throughout the weekend.

Wake up early, wander west, and send us your pics!