Balloons Take Flight at Aims: Great Aardvark Embark Returns

Parking opens at 6 a.m. and the event field becomes accessible to the public at 6:30 a.m. Balloons are estimated to launch between 7 and 7:30 a.m. The event is free to attend.

Professional pilots from the Colorado Balloon Club will show the inflation process and take flight. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned balloon-chaser, the spectacle of these giants rising with the morning sun is not to be missed. The number of balloons varies; typically, 10-12 hot air balloons launch during the event.

Breakfast burritos and coffee are available for purchase on-site. Giveaways include a limited number of frisbees for attendees. 

Know Before You Go

• Aims is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please keep the following in mind when planning your visit:

• This event is weather-dependent. Weather conditions may alter launch times and event status. Aims staff will post event day conditions and updates on the event page at events.aims.edu.

• Please follow parking signs and park legally. Parts of Winograd Lane (inside the Aims Campus) will be closed for pedestrian safety.

• Smoking and vaping are not permitted. 

• Participants are not allowed to fly drones at the event. 

• Please leave your pets at home; only service animals are allowed.

• No overnight parking. 

• Hot air balloon rides will not be offered, sold or given away to members of the public. 

• Participants cannot get into balloons tethered to the ground. 

• Attendees are open to sit where they would like in the fields. Please be aware that you may need to move once the balloons are set in motion.

To request accommodations for this event, call 970-339-6388 or email disabilities@aims.edu. 

For event questions, reach out to events@aims.edu or 970-339-6310. 

Visit events.aims.edu for further information on community events at Aims Community College.