Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024 in South Dakota

Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival is an annual event that brings together tens of thousands of visitors all around the globe. The fest takes place at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport, which has a lot of room for people to move around.

Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival Events and Activities

Visitors can take tethered rides in the balloons, enjoy delicious meals and beverages, and simply relish the breathtaking sky shows. You can watch the launches from your car or walk around the area, but whatever you choose, you’ll have memories that last a lifetime.

A balloon ride for one person costs $325, and cash only. The festival starts early, so plan to spend the night leading up to Hot Springs. We suggest getting to the Hot Springs Municipal Airport around 5 am to park and find a good spot to watch the balloons. There are also handicapped parking spots.

Festival Program

The festival Friday starts with a free performance by Magician Jared Fernau! Jared will be at Centennial Park at 12 pm, where kids will have the opportunity to get balloon animals after his show. Vendor Market will be open from noon to 7 pm, and Farmers Market from 3:30 to 6 pm. Guests also can enjoy live music from 5 to 7 pm.

Saturday will feature the 30 balloons launch from Hot Springs Municipal Airport at 6 am. There will also be Vendor Market in Centennial Park from noon to 6 pm and Miss Hot Springs and Miss Fall River Balloon Festival Pageant at Mueller Civic Center from 4 pm – 6 pm. Friends of the Library Book Barn will be open from 6 to 8 pm. The day will end with a Night Glow at Centennial Park & Michael J. Fitzmaurice SD State Veterans Home from 7:30 pm – to 9 pm.

On the Sunday, the last festival day, the balloons will launch from Hot Springs Municipal Airport around 6 am.