One of Pagosa Springs’ most colorful traditions returns this fall as the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce presents Colorfest 2026, Friday through Sunday, September 18–20, celebrating the 40th annual Colorfest with a full weekend of hot air balloons, local food and wine, craft beer and spirits, live music and family-friendly activities.
The three-day celebration brings together one of Pagosa Springs’ most recognizable sights — a sky filled with colorful hot air balloons — with two signature ticketed events: Passport to Pagosa on Friday evening and Bands, Brews & Barrels on Saturday.
Friday: Passport to Pagosa
Colorfest officially kicks off Friday, September 18, with Passport to Pagosa, a food competition featuring local restaurants and wine tastings.
The event runs from 6–9pm and gives attendees the opportunity to sample dishes from participating restaurants along with domestic and international wines while supporting Pagosa Springs’ local culinary scene. Guests will also have the chance to vote for their favorite restaurant in the People’s Choice competition.
Passport to Pagosa tickets are $100 and include food and wine tasting tickets for the evening along with a commemorative glass. Live entertainment will also be part of the celebration, with Maxwell Miller taking the stage.
Saturday: Balloons, Brews and Barrels
Saturday morning brings one of the weekend’s signature sights: the Colorfest hot air balloon mass ascension. Spectators can watch as colorful balloons take to the sky over Pagosa Springs. The balloons will launch from The Springs Resort area downtown on Saturday morning.
The balloon ascensions are free to watch, making them one of the weekend’s most accessible family activities.
Saturday afternoon, the celebration moves to Yamaguchi Park for Bands, Brews & Barrels, running from 4–8pm. The event combines live music from Tylor Brandon and Bo dePena with craft beer and spirits from participating brewers and distillers. Attendees are invited to cast their votes for their favorite breweries and distilleries in the People’s Choice competition.
A beer and spirit tasting ticket is $35 for guests age 21 and older and includes unlimited tastings. General admission is $10 for ages 15 and older and does not include beer or spirit tastings. Children 14 and under are free. Wine will also be available for purchase by the glass for guests 21 and older.
Food trucks will be on site throughout the afternoon, giving attendees plenty of options to enjoy alongside the beverages and live music.
Balloon Glow and 500-Drone Show
As daylight fades Saturday evening, the excitement continues with the Colorfest Balloon Glow, scheduled for around 7pm or dusk at Yamaguchi Park.
Following the balloon glow is a spectacular new addition to this year’s celebration: a 500-drone show honoring America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary — A250/C150.
The special celebration also takes on added significance for the local Chamber, which is marking its own 50th anniversary this year.
Sunday: One More Morning in the Sky
Colorfest continues Sunday morning with another hot air balloon mass ascension, giving residents and visitors one final opportunity to watch the colorful fleet rise over the community. The Sunday launch will commence from the empty field across from Les Schwab near Walmart.
The balloon launches are weather dependent, and schedules can change based on wind and other conditions. Spectators are encouraged to check the Chamber’s event information for the latest updates.
A Pagosa Tradition
Colorfest has become a signature fall tradition in Pagosa Springs, attracting residents and visitors for a weekend that showcases the community’s mountain setting, local businesses, restaurants, beverage producers and hospitality industry.
This year’s event is especially significant as the community celebrates 40 years of Colorfest, while also recognizing 250 years of American history, 150 years of Colorado statehood and 50 years of the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
From watching balloons float over the San Juan Mountains to sampling local cuisine, brews and spirits to listening to live music or gathering at Yamaguchi Park for the balloon glow and drone show, Colorfest 2026 offers something for nearly everyone.
Key event times and ticket prices:
• Passport to Pagosa: Friday, September 18, 6–9 p.m. — $100
• Colorfest Balloon Ascension: Saturday (downtown) and Sunday (uptown) mornings around 8am — Free to spectators
• Bands, Brews & Barrels: Saturday, Sept. 19, 4–8pm, Yamaguchi Park
• Beer & Spirit Tasting: $35, ages 21+, unlimited tastings
• General Admission: $10, ages 15+, no tastings
• Ages 14 and under: Free
• Balloon Glow: Saturday around 7pm/dusk
• 500-Drone A250/C150 Show: Immediately following the balloon glow
For more event information and tickets, visit the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.PagosaChamber.com or call 970-264-2360.