Every year for the past 50 years, individuals and families have gathered for Labor Day Lift Off, Colorado’s biggest hot air balloons festival. They have witnessed captivating colors from the balloons, the breathtaking Colorado Springs landscape, as well as the changing hues of the sky as the light changes throughout the day, from dawn to dusk to darkness. This year, the end-of-year summer tradition will be held from Sept. 5-7, 2026 at Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. General admission is free; VIP access tickets can be purchased online. Paid parking is also available. 

Approximately 70 hot air balloons are expected to be going “up, up and away,” with morning launches over Prospect Lake at 7 a.m. Evening Balloon Glows will be on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Local shutterbugs will want to capture the action and participate in the Labor Day Lift Off Official Photo Content, sponsored by Mike’s Camera. It’s bound to be an uplifting experience!  

Select your composition with care 

The elements in a photograph make up its composition. It sets images’ emotional tone. Labor Day Lift Off‘s displays of light and color are sure to present some photographic magic … and perhaps win entrants of the Labor Day Lift Off Official Photo Contest a prize: 

• First Place: A hot air balloon ride for two, courtesy of Rainbow Ryders. 

• Second Place: A Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera — Holiday Bundle, courtesy of Mike’s Camera. 

• Third Place: A $50 Amazon gift card, courtesy of The Gazette. 

Enter your photos at here until Sept. 13. The public will vote on their favorites from Sept. 14-20, and prize winners will be notified on Sept. 21. 

About Mike’s Camera 

Mike’s Camera is your Regional photography source for industry professionals and amateur camera buffs alike. With 5 locations across the front range the team at Mike’s Camera are passionate about helping you choose the correct gear for your photography and giving you the knowledge and education to get the most out of your gear. From the purchase of your photography equipment, followed by the Education to capture it all, and then wrapping it up with the best printing and output services, the team at Mike’s Camera lives and breathes photography, we truly believe it is the best hobby in the world!