Description

Formerly known as the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Fall River Flight Fest has a new name and lineup of activities that will expand the aerial attractions to showcase skydivers, paragliders, hot air balloons, airplanes and lots more.

August 28th-30th

Below is the Schedule of events:

(Subject to changes/corrections or additions,
please check back often)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 - Centennial Park

Our Festival kicks off in Centennial Park at Noon on Friday, August 28 in downtown Hot Springs, SD!

12:00PM – 7:00PM: Vendor Market in Centennial Park
Enjoy LIVE MUSIC as you Shop & Play

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026

Hot Springs Municipal Airport 

Saturday, 6:00am Balloon Launch*: 15+/- balloons launch from Hot Springs Municipal Airport
After the launch, stick around to watch as Skydiving and Paraglider performers also take to the skies
for a high-soaring spectacle. Kids will enjoy the Parachute Drop, too!
Please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket as seating is not provided.
 Don’t forget to buy your Official Festival T-Shirt! 

Following the launch, head into Hot Springs for a day of fun!

CENTENNIAL PARK & DOWNTOWN HOT SPRINGS

Enjoy more all-day activities in Hot Springs’ Centennial Park with Vendors, Food and Live Music!
 Look for incredible deals, sidewalk sales and specials throughout Hot Springs, SD at our local Merchants.

8:30am: SHRec 5K Fun Run begins at 8:30am, and 1 Mile Kids Run begins at 9:30am.
Registration starts at 7:30am at Centennial Park
or you can register early online at www.GetMeRegistered.com/SHREC5K
7:30am – 11:00am: Breakfast Burrito fundraiser for SHRec at Centennial Park

8:00am – 1:00pm: 5th Annual Chalk Art Contest, sponsored by CCABH
(Chautauqua Craftsmen & Artisans of the Black Hills).
Contest will take place on the downtown sidewalks between
Mornin’ Sunshine at 509 N. River Street and Earth Goods Natural Foods at 738 Jennings Ave.
Awards will be at 2:00pm back at Chautauqua Artisans Market, 501 N. River St

9:00am – 12:00pm: Farmers Market in Centennial Park

10:00am – 2:00pm (or later): Sidewalk Sales at Businesses throughout Downtown Hot Springs

9:00am – 5:00pm: Vendor Market and Kid Zone in Centennial Park

7:30pm - 9:00pm: “Light Up Downtown”* Night Glow @ Centennial Park &
Michael J. Fitzmaurice SD State Veterans Home
Saturday Night we are going to light up our downtown with glowing balloons
and/or candlestick hot air balloon baskets at Centennial Park,
and glowing balloons at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota State Veterans Home.
Balloons will start setting up at 7pm, and Glowing will officially start at 8:00.
In order to get a good spot for viewing, it is recommended to arrive at 7:30pm.

 SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2026

Sunday, 6:00am Balloon Launch*: 15+/- balloons launch from Hot Springs Municipal Airport
Please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket as seating is not provided.
 Don’t forget to buy your Official Festival T-Shirt!

9:00am - 10:00am: Walk-In Balloon @ The Mammoth Site
See a hot air balloon from a whole new perspective—INSIDE!!
Walk around and see the vibrant colors. Fun for kids & adults!

4:00pm – 6:00pm: Cemetery History Walk @ Evergreen Cemetery
Presented by Fall River Historical Society & Pioneer Museum 

***ALL BALLOON RELATED ACTIVITIES
ARE WEATHER PERMITTING***

ONLY UTILIZE LEGAL PARKING AREAS.
 Do not park on Highways!