Letchworth Balloon Rally Makes A Colorful Comeback This Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and you are trying to decide what you and the family will do. Of course each of us will honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Perhaps that means enjoying a parade, raising our flag, or that could mean a hot air balloon festival.

After a 1-year absence, the Letchworth Balloon Rally, 'Balloons Over Letchworth', is back for 2026. Nearly 20 vibrant hot air balloons will fill the skies above Letchworth State Park May 22nd, May 23rd, and May 24th. This rally celebrates flight, community, and the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon of the East. Here's everything you will need to know.

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The Letchworth Balloon Rally is a free event to attend. If you are arriving to Letchworth State Park between 9a and 5p, there will be a standard vehicle entrance fees of $10 per vehicle, $35 per bus. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Here is the tentative schedule as of now:

• Friday evening
• Saturday morning & evening
• Sunday morning
• No flights from the park on Memorial Day (Monday)
• Launch schedule is wind and weather permitting
• Balloons Over Letchworth offers rides during the rally. Book your flight HERE

If you are looking for Memorial Day parades in the Capital Region, here are a few to choose from:

• Cohoes, Thursday May 21st at 6p
• Rotterdam, Thursday May 21st at 6:30p
• Stillwater, Friday May 22nd at 4p
• East Greenbush, Saturday May 23rd at 10a
• Albany, Monday May 25th at 9:30a
• Troy, Monday May 25th at 1p