The Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival is held every August in Sandy, Utah. Whenever I think of the sky filled with hot air balloons, I usually picture far-off exotic places, such as Cappadocia, Turkey, or somewhere in New Zealand…not in my own backyard.
(PS…are you subscribed to my YouTube channel yet? Check it out for more adventures!)
But when I realized that I wasn’t going to have to go halfway across the world, I was ecstatic! I charged all of my cameras, packed a bag, and set my alarm for *gasp* 5:00am (on a Saturday!) to catch the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival.
It. Was. Magical.
There’s nothing in the world that can really prepare you for the childlike wonder that fills your soul as you walk around the giant balloons as they’re inflating.
The sun peeked over the mountains as the balloons started to fill the sky, the rays reaching down into the valley.
The fireballs causing the young kids to scream with excited terror and the adult standing next to them jump.
(To be honest, I was kind of hoping that this event would have fallen under my 30 Adventures in 30 Days, but, at the same time, relieved that it was its own separate event.)
Now that I’ve experienced the launch, saw what everything was about, and am already excited about next year’s festival, I’ve put together 3 TIPS on how YOU can have the BEST time at the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival!
Tip #1: Show Up Early
As with any big event, tourist attraction, popular activity, showing up early to the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival is essential. Let me explain why.
Parking. If you don’t want to have to walk a mile, dodge cars and get tired out before you even arrive, show up early. Get that parking space. Take your time gathering your items. Relax.
Crowds. The Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival is popular and draws a large crowd. If you want to get situated without having to vie for a good spot, get your pictures without too many other people in the background, or just simply have a few peaceful moments to take in the scene, show up early and avoid the massive crowds.
Temperature. Utah is hot in the summer and doesn’t tend to cool down until later in August/early September (if we’re lucky). Arriving to the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival early will help keep you out of the sun for a longer period of time.
Sunrise. One of the best parts of watching a hot air balloon take off in the early morning is watching the sun rise at the same time. It’s magical. When you arrive early, you’ll have a better shot at catching that glorious sunrise.
Tip #2: Talk to the Pilots
One of the highlights of the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival was just how accessible the pilots were. They were all chatting with the spectators that gathered around, sharing their knowledge, and…
ASKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
That’s right! If you show up early enough, you can help one of the pilots’ crew set out the hot air balloons, help get it inflated, or maybe even (sign a waiver) go up for a ride in one.
Plus, the pilots themselves are all really cool and fun to be around. I loved hearing them razz each other, like a big, dysfunctional family in the best sense.
I was able to spend some time chatting with them and then hang out at the pilot briefing prior to the launch. It was eye-opening to learn just how much preparation goes into getting the hot air balloons off of the ground!
Tip #3: Walk Around
It could be tempting to rock up to the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival and pull up a chair and just park it for the morning. Believe me, I was tempted to do that…until I saw a few people mingling with the pilots. They didn’t seem to be getting told off for being that close, so I decided to venture down as well.
And I’m glad I did.
When you set yourself at the outskirt of the festival at the beginning, you limit your experience. Once you sit down, how often do you think you’ll actually get up and wander around?
Not enough.
Do you know what it’s like to be surrounded by at least a dozen giant balloons, all inflating at the same time?
Watching the pilots climb into the baskets as they sit on their side?
Feeling the heat from the flames as the balloons start to ignite?
Hearing the excited chatter all around, as you’re suddenly dwarfed as the balloons start to take flight?
It’s infectious!
And then all of a sudden you look up, and there’s a balloon over your head, floating gracefully away into the golden sky.
Have you ever heard of the Sandy Hot Air Balloon Festival? Have you ever been in a hot air balloon before?
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