What Is a Hot Air Balloon Glow? Behind the Magic

Oct 28, 2025

Key Takeaways

• A hot air balloon glow is a nighttime event in which lighter-than-air aircraft are stood up, but do not leave the ground, illuminated from within by their respective burners.
• A hot air balloon night glow creates an astonishing lantern-like display, allowing operators to extend balloon festivals into the evening, while combining artistry, aviation, and entertainment. 
• Hot air balloon glows were popularized by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, which held its first in 1987.
• Over the years, hot air balloon glows have become popular events, especially in the American Southwest, captivating spectators of all ages with color, music, and photography opportunities.

Experiencing the Magic of a Balloon Glow

Hot air balloons have a natural allure, but they can create an even more dazzling spectacle at night. Even though Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations limit full-fledged flights after sunset without special lighting equipment, hot air balloon glows can still occur because the aircraft are secured to the ground. 

During a hot air balloon night glow, billowing envelopes are lit from within, transforming these lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicles into giant floating lanterns that illuminate the dark sky. Each flicker of a burner shows off an envelope’s unique, bold colors and patterns, creating a glowing field of art that gently moves with the wind.

This tradition began decades ago as a creative extension of hot air balloon festivals, allowing the fun to continue well into the evening. Now, it has become one of the most beloved traditions in hot air ballooning culture, serving as a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and humanity’s fascination with both flight and light.

This guide thoroughly explores what a hot air balloon glow is, how it works, its origins, and why it continues to enchant spectators at festivals around the world.

Defining a Hot Air Balloon Glow

A hot air balloon night glow is a special event centered around the inflation and illumination of hot air balloons after dark. During these nighttime spectacles, the LTA aircraft remain secured to the ground, and pilots use short bursts from their burners to light their hot air balloon’s envelope from within.

When dozens of hot air balloons light up in sync, the result is stunning, creating a kaleidoscope of color and light that spans an entire field. The LTA vehicles start to look like massive, illuminated lanterns with bright colors and eye-catching patterns. Still, to get the most out of a hot air balloon glow, the event has to occur at the right time of day.

Timing the Magic

Hot air balloon glows usually start around dusk or shortly after sunset to ensure the burner-lit envelopes are well-contrasted against the darkening sky. So, event organizers typically give the green light for pilots to begin lighting their burners as the sun goes down. To increase synchronicity, some hot air balloon night glows feature choreographed sequences set to music. These rhythmic sequences of light and sound are sure to delight onlookers.

Great from the Ground

Even though both events are at the heart of many festivals, hot air balloon glows differ from morning mass ascensions because balloons do not lift off into the sky. Instead, balloons are securely tied to the ground using ropes and anchors. This technique allows the balloons’ envelopes to rise dozens of feet in the air without drifting away.

Therefore, the event appeals to spectators on the ground, allowing them to walk among the balloons and capture up-close shots for their social media pages. This intimate setting also allows festival attendees to talk to pilots and crew, and take photos up close, something that’s not possible once the balloons are airborne.

How Do Hot Air Balloon Glows Work?

There is a lot that goes into a hot air balloon night glow, from the strategic use of the burner to the collaboration with event organizers and other pilots. Some elements that make this type of event possible include:

• Tying equipment – Commercial-grade ropes, cables, and anchor systems are used to secure each LTA vehicle during a hot air balloon night glow, allowing pilots to safely ignite their burners without the balloon flying away.
• The glow effect – Pilots pulse their burners, sending flames fueled by a mixture of propane and other liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) upward, heating the air inside the envelope and making the fabric flicker with light.
• Choreographed synchronization – Some glows incorporate music so pilots can time their burns to match rhythms. Sometimes, choreography calls for all balloons to glow at once or to take turns, sending light waves across the field.

In addition to the components above, safety precautions are essential, even though the LTA vehicles don’t take off. As a general form of hot air balloon safety, pilots must carefully monitor fuel levels and surrounding conditions, including weather and the crowd’s proximity. Outside the aircraft, ground crews help maintain stability, while fire safety personnel stand by for added peace of mind.

The Origins of Balloon Glows

The hot air balloon night glow tradition was made popular thanks to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta®, which introduced it in 1987. Before then, hot air balloon festivals typically ran only from dawn to sunset due to FAA regulations and visibility restrictions regarding LTA aircraft flying at night.

Hot air balloon night glows gave event organizers a way to extend the fun into the evening. Plus, these illuminated displays showcasing the beauty of balloons at night started drawing larger crowds of enthusiasts and newcomers, making hot air balloon glows staples of many highly organized, large-scale events.

Signature Events

Today, some of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the United States include hot air balloon night glows, including:

• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® – This annual New Mexico festival popularized the tradition. Plus, its Glowdeo™ is considered the largest and most iconic, featuring hundreds of lit-up balloons in the desert night sky.
• Labor Day Lift Off – This crowd-favorite event in Colorado Springs blends gorgeous mountain scenery with glowing balloons, making it a great way to end the summer.
• Red Rock Balloon Rally – This festival is held in Gallup, New Mexico, making Red Rock Park’s dramatic sandstone cliffs a stunning natural backdrop for the colorful evening glow.
• Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival – This family-friendly Halloween event in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers trick-or-treating from glowing balloons, live entertainment, and a kids’ zone filled with inflatables.
• Arizona Balloon Classic – This breathtaking festival takes place in Chandler, Arizona, capitalizing on the beautiful landscape with an evening Desert Glow that fills the sky with colorful, well-illuminated hot air balloons.

What Makes a Hot Air Balloon Glow So Special?

What sets a hot air balloon glow apart from other events is its emotional tone and unique light-driven visuals. The quiet awe of the crowd always pairs well with the rhythmic roar of the burners, creating a profound sense of peace as the balloons flicker softly against the night sky. 

This type of event is part festival, art show, and celebration of flight, attracting photographers and other members of the community.

Picture-Perfect Visuals

A hot air balloon night glow serves as a unique subject for photographers due to the interplay between firelight, colorful fabrics, and the dark night sky. Whether you are trying to capture the once-in-a-lifetime sights on a phone or a professional camera, it will be easy to use the vivid contrasts and reflections to tell a story of warmth and wonder.

Community-Driven Fun

These visual spectacles also play a key role in community events, as they give pilots and other hot-air balloon crew members a chance to mingle with spectators. They are also an excellent place for families to spread blankets on the grass, while vendors fill the air with the scent of delicious local food. 

Although each event is unique, it is common to see children waving glow sticks, couples sharing picnics, and entire neighborhoods coming together under the illuminated envelopes of a hot air balloon glow.

Tips for Attending a Hot Air Balloon Glow

If you want to make the most of your first hot air balloon night glow, some insider tips you can follow include:

• Arriving early – Parking lots and viewing areas for these popular events usually fill up quickly, so getting there before sunset can help you find the best spot for photos.
• Bringing the essentials – Most attendees pack blankets or folding chairs, a camera or smartphone, and extra layers for warmth, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
• Respecting the boundaries – It is crucial to give pilots and their crews the space they need to operate safely, so you should stay behind designated ropes and barriers.
• Engaging with pilots – Passionate hot air balloon pilots love sharing their knowledge, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their balloon’s design or operation.
• Staying for the finale – Some glows conclude with a spectacular finale where every balloon lights up at once, and they may even be followed by fireworks or more live music to cap off the night.

Where to See a Hot Air Balloon Glow

Hot air balloon glows are hosted all over the world, but the Four Corners of the Southwestern United States is home to some of the most popular iterations of this type of event. Some noteworthy metropolitan areas in the U.S. featuring hot air balloon glows are:

• Albuquerque, New Mexico – Hosts the world’s largest balloon festival with the famous Glowdeo™, pioneered by creative minds like Scott Appelman.
• Phoenix, Arizona – The greater Phoenix area hosts multiple festivals throughout the year featuring hot air balloon glows.
• Colorado Springs, Colorado – Home to Labor Day Lift Off, which includes a magical night glow.

Each hot air balloon night glow offers something unique, such as a fresh pattern of colors, a different skyline, or a new community sharing in the spectacle, making these events great for first-timers and enthusiasts alike.

To facilitate trip planning, be sure to check local calendars for the metro areas above, especially since weather conditions can cause last-minute changes. Keep in mind that many balloon festivals include both early-morning ascensions and nighttime glows, offering all-day fun.

Experience a Nighttime Glow with Rainbow Ryders

A hot air balloon glow blends the love of aviation with the artistry of light. Once you are standing beneath a field of glowing balloons, you are bound to feel connected to something timeless, making it easy to tap into the same curiosity and wonder that drove early balloonists to chase the skies centuries ago.

Rainbow Ryders is one of America’s leading hot air balloon companies and is at the forefront of many hot air balloon glows. Our trusted team of pilots participates in several major balloon festivals throughout the Southwest, including ABQ’s Balloon Fiesta®. We take pride in providing a safe and spectacular experience for everyone in attendance.

If you have ever dreamed of seeing hundreds of balloons light up the night, plan your next adventure around one of the many festivals featuring hot air balloon night glows. Alternatively, you can contact Rainbow Ryders to inquire about a private event for a corporate party or special occasion in the Four Corners of the Southwestern United States.