Experience the Magic of the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Medicine Hat

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Nerissa McNaughton

he Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place May 21-24, 2026!, in Medicine Hat, offers a magical experience whether you are observing, taking photographs, or catching a flight. Free to attend and packed with family-friendly activities, this festival is the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather while discovering the charm of one of Canada’s sunniest cities.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Rise Up Festival, from its spectacular events to tips for making the most of your experience.

What Makes the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival Special?

The Rise Up Festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.

Free Admission: Yes, you read that right. This awe-inspiring event is free to attend, making it accessible for everyone.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Whether you’re 6 or 60, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Up to 30 Hot Air Balloons: Watch the skies come alive with brilliant colours and breathtaking shapes as dozens of balloons take flight throughout the weekend.

Unique Experiences: From the magical Balloon Glow to a vibrant Community Day, the festival offers an exciting variety of activities to delight all senses.

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A post shared by Hot Air Balloon Festival YXH (@riseupyxh)

The Schedule

Hot Air Ballooning is very susceptible to weather and wind. Updates and launch locations will be provided within the hour leading up to every scheduled event. These updates will be based on weather, which determines if each flight can go ahead or has to be cancelled.

*ALL updates will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so please Like and Follow them to stay up-to-date.

Thursday, May 21

6:00 AM – Flight (*location To Be Determined)
6:00 PM – Flight (*location TBD)

Friday, May 22

6:00 AM – Flight (*location TBD)
6:00 PM – Flight (*location TBD)
Dusk (approx. 8:30 PM) – Balloon Glow @ Kin Coulee Park

Come early to the Balloon Glow and enjoy the park. Food Trucks, Entertainment, Community! A variety of Rise Up/OCJ merchandise will be available at the OCJ tent!

Saturday, May 23 – Community Day

Community Day is moving to Medicine Hat College and will be bigger and better than ever! Movies, Food, Kids’ Art Party, Yoga, and the annual Rise Up Market will all be located at the Medicine Hat College.

‍6:00 AM – Flight (*location TBD)
9:30 AM – Hues for Humanity Colour Run (5 KM through the trails starting at Medicine Hat Tourism Center)

——–Festival moves to Medicine Hat College——–

9 AM-11 AM Free Pancake Breakfast at Medicine Hat College
11 AM-4 PM Rise Up Market at Medicine Hat College
11-4 PM Youth Art Party at the Medicine Hat College (For All Ages of Youth)
11-4 PM OCJ BBQ at Medicine Hat College

———Festival moves to Kin Coulee Park——–

6:00 PM – Flight (*location TBD)
Dusk (approx. 8:30 PM) – Balloon Glow @ Kin Coulee Park

Come early to the Balloon Glow and enjoy the park. Food Trucks, Entertainment, Community! A variety of Rise Up merchandise will be available at the OCJ tent!

Sunday, May 24

6:00 AM – Flight (*location TBD)

———- Festival Concludes ———–

Practical Tips for Attending

To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:

Follow Social Media for Updates: Because balloon flights are dependent on weather conditions, locations, and timings may change. Stay connected by following the festival’s Instagram and Facebook pages for real-time updates and announcements.

Arrive Early: Hot air balloon flights are an experience you don’t want to miss, and the best spots fill up fast. Aim to arrive well before scheduled flight times.

Dress Comfortably: May weather in Medicine Hat can be unpredictable. Dress in layers to stay comfortable, especially for early morning or evening events.

Plan Your Day: With so much to do, a little planning can go a long way. Map out which events and activities you’d like to attend so you don’t miss out.

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A post shared by Colton McKee | 📍Alberta (@colton.mckee)

Bring Your Camera

Whether it’s the glowing balloons at night or the kaleidoscope of colours during a flight, the Rise Up Festival is a photographer’s dream. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the magic.

Discover Medicine Hat

The festival is also a great excuse to explore Medicine Hat, a hidden gem in Southern Alberta. Known as “Canada’s Sunniest City,” Medicine Hat boasts beautiful parks, rich history, and a thriving local arts scene. Use the festival as your starting point to discover charming eateries, visit the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, or simply stroll through Kin Coulee Park.

The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is an experience that brings people together, inspires awe, and celebrates the joy of community. Mark your calendars for May 21-24, 2026, and get ready to experience the magic for yourself.

Learn more online at the Medicine Hat tourism site and on the official Rise Up website.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups Sunny Escapes Guide advertising feature. Sunny Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.