UP, UP, and AWAY! The 21st annual CORTEZ RENDEZVOUS BALLOON RALLY is about to begin! Join in this amazing community event taking place in Parque de Vida and the skies over Cortez, Colorado!
All the magic of the Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Rally begins on Friday early morning for a launch set for about 6:30am! (weather permitting) and then join us for the well-loved evening Balloon Glow!
The Balloon Glow is a one night event only - Friday, August 1st, 2025 beginning at 6pm.
An amazing array of HOT AIR BALLOONS will light up the summer evening sky. Cortez Retail Enhancement Association and the City of Cortez Parks Department are thrilled to host this fun and educational event!
There will be TETHERED BALLOON rides with Pagosa Adventures, sponsored by Days Inn, Baymont Inn & Suites, and Cortez Retail Enhancement Association. Rides are FREE on a first-come, first-served basis with a $5 per person requested donation to local non-profit organizations. For safety, ages 7 & up will be allowed with a signed waiver at the time of the ride. Other restrictions may apply. Additional information will be provided at the event.
We are excited to welcome REMOTE CONTROL BALLOONS! They are a joy to watch and interesting to learn about. Come check out these model-scale hot air balloons!
Kelly Turner/KRTZ Radio will host a LIVE REMOTE BROADCAST! Ask your questions, listen for sponsored shout-outs, fun facts, and interesting hot air balloon details, as well as ongoing event info.
The City of Cortez Parks department will host and INFO TABLE providing KIDS ACTIVITIES, EVENT DETAILS, and WHAT’S HAPPENING with the Parks & Recreation department this summer.
We encourage you to shop and dine in Cortez before and after the balloon glow to SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES. Vendors at the park will be limited.
Watch the BALLOONS SET UP for the evening, MEET the ground crews, TALK to pilots, and SEE how the balloons are inflated. Collect BALLOON CARDS from all of the balloons! Then enjoy the amazing BALLOON GLOW!
Interested in hands-on experience? We’re looking for volunteer crew to help our pilots during these events! If you’re interested, arrive at 6:00pm - Friday, August 1, 2025 at the northwest corner parking lot of Parque de Vida.
As always, all balloon events are WEATHER PERMITTING for safety.
Don’t miss this 21st Anniversary year of the Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Rally! See you in Cortez, Colorado, August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd!
Accessible parking is available in the Parque De Vida lot on Mildred Road/Road 26 - across from the Kiva School. (near the Mildred/Empire intersection)
Share all your photos in the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/109833298719 ( Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Event)