This past weekend, the 28th annual Erie Balloon Festival transformed the early morning skies above Westerly into a canvas of pure magic. Just steps away from our community at the corner of County Road 5 and Colliers Parkway, dozens of skilled aeronauts were scheduled to make their graceful ascent across the Front Range, creating a breathtaking spectacle that would unfold right in Westerly residents’ backyards.
As one of the most anticipated events near Westerly, Erie’s balloon launch has become a cherished tradition in the town. Hosted by the Erie Chamber of Commerce, the annual event started in 1996 with a 12-balloon launch to kick off the town’s fair. This weekend Erie celebrated its 28th annual balloon festival. More than 40 balloons were scheduled to fill the skies over the summer weekend, creating a breathtaking spectacle for residents to enjoy.
Viewing the Erie Balloon Festival from Westerly offers residents an unmatched advantage with this unique event happening right next door. There’s something truly magical about watching these colorful giants drift silently over your neighborhood on a peaceful summer morning.
Weather Challenges and Weekend Highlights
While the 28th annual Erie Balloon Festival had scheduled launches for July 11-13, 2025, upper-level winds on Friday and foggy skies on Saturday prevented the balloons from taking their planned morning launch. This didn’t stop the celebration, however, as the field filled with ground-level balloon displays for festival visitors to enjoy up close, giving families a unique opportunity to meet pilots and explore the magnificent balloons without the usual crowds.
Weather prevailed Sunday morning with much more favorable conditions, with clear skies and calm winds allowing for spectacular launches from 6:00 to 7:30 AM. For Westerly residents, this meant ideal conditions for sipping an early morning coffee on their back porches while dozens of colorful balloons drifted silently overhead.
Westerly resident, Paige, says she enjoyed from her house, then walked over to the Village Green, where she watched a Balloon land right in the Westerly community. What many consider a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience became just another magical weekend morning for our community.
Balloon Glow Spectacular
The festival experience extended far beyond the early dawn launches. Saturday evening featured a spectacular Balloon Glow from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, complete with food trucks and family activities. During this enchanting event, half a dozen or more balloonists ignited their burners while keeping their baskets tethered to the ground, creating a mesmerizing light show that illuminated the fields in synchronized patterns.
For Westerly residents, this translated to an evening stroll to witness something truly spectacular. The balloons would “glow” in coordinated displays and light up the night sky for viewing pleasure. It was the perfect opportunity for families to meet pilots and explore the balloons up close in a relaxed, community atmosphere.
“The pilots love to talk about their balloons, they love seeing the children and showing them everything that they’re doing,” says Pat Vero, executive director of the Erie Chamber of Commerce. It’s this kind of community connection that defines Erie living at its finest and makes events near Westerly so special for residents.
Front Row Seats: Experiencing the Erie Balloon Festival from Westerly
What sets Westerly apart isn’t just the thoughtfully designed homes or modern amenities, it’s the location that puts extraordinary experiences within reach, such as viewing the Erie Balloon Festival from Westerly. From a town of approximately 1,600 people in 1996 to around 33,104 today, traditions like the town fair and balloon launch give Erie the hometown charm and community we all crave while keeping residents close to all the perks of urban living.
The Erie Balloon Festival is just one of many exciting events near Westerly that make this community truly special. From Erie family events to outdoor adventures, residents enjoy unparalleled access to Erie living at its finest, with dynamic events near Westerly happening year-round. Whether it’s the annual balloon festival, seasonal celebrations, or community gatherings, there’s always something magical happening just steps from your front door.
Ready to Experience Next Year’s Festival from Your Own Backyard?
Schedule your visit today and discover where magical family memories flourish. At Westerly, the Erie Balloon Festival isn’t just an event you attend – it’s about forming lasting memories for your family while enjoying the best of Erie living.
For more information on year-round events near Westerly, read our recent Four Seasons at Westerly blog and discover all the ways this community enhances your Colorado lifestyle.
