Posted in Colorado Attractions April 29, 2023 by Annie

This Old-School Colorado Town Fair And Hot Air Balloon Launch Is A Great Way To Kick Off Summer

Can you believe that summer is right around the corner? We cannot, so we have already started looking for ways to celebrate everyone’s favorite season! It’s time for all kinds of fun Colorado festivals. Are you ready? Then make plans to attend this small-town Colorado balloon fair and festival that is the epitome of summer: The Erie Balloon Launch in Colorado

Welcome to the annual Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair!

Taking place the first weekend of May each year, the Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair is the unofficial Colorado summer kick-off, thanks, in part, to the early-morning balloon launches.

"The Rocky Mountains are clearly visible in the distance as the sky comes alive with all the colors of the rainbow," teases the Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair, which begins each morning with its namesake hot air balloon launch from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

While the hot air balloons are reason enough to visit, the Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair also feature a small-town festival complete with 200+ vendors and food booths.

In addition to all of the above, the Balloon Launch and Town Fair also boasts a car show, beer garden, live music, arts, crafts, and other surprises.

As if you needed another reason to visit (and love!) this summertime event, admission and parking are both free.

To learn more about the highly-anticipated Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair - including a full schedule of events - please visit the Erie Chamber of Commerce's website.

The Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair takes place in historic downtown Erie.

Take a look at all the colorful balloons at this festival:

Have you been to the Erie Balloon Launch in Colorado? Do you have a favorite event, attraction, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more of our favorite Centennial State festivals, check out The 11 Best Small-Town Colorado Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of.

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Address: Erie, CO, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Family-Friendly Fun in Colorado

May 04, 2023

William Suphan

What are the best amusement parks in Colorado?

The best amusement parks in Colorado include:

Water World. This water park is one of the biggest in the nation and can be found in Federal Heights.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. This is where you can ride roller coasters while getting a magnificent mountain view.
Elitch Gardens. This Denver amusement park has fast and slow rides for all ages.
Lakeside Amusement Park. This place has an old-fashioned, white-painted wooden rollercoaster.

Find out more about the best amusement parks in Colorado.

What are the best family-friendly museums in Colorado?

The best family-friendly museums in Colorado include:

Denver Firefighters Museum. There are interactive exhibits and activities for all ages at this fun museum.
Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys. There are over 10,000 toys here to thrill your little ones.
Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum. Your budding astronaut will love the exhibits and being able to explore all the planes.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Dinosaur skeletons and a children’s discovery zone await you here.

Discover more about the best family-friendly museums in Colorado.

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Colorado?

The best kid-friendly hikes in Colorado include:

Alderfer 3 Sisters Park - Wild Iris Loop. This is an easy hike of less than a mile that is replete with wildflowers, lush green trees, and abundant wildlife.
Bear Lake Nature Trail. This is a local favorite trail in the Rocky Mountain National Park with amazing views and a whole lot of wildlife.
Lookout Mountain Meadow Loop Trail. This hike offers stunning views and has a Nature Center that will teach you about the wildlife you might see while hiking here.

Learn more about the best kid-friendly hikes in Colorado.