Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to the CasaBlanca Resort area from January 29th through January 31st, 2027 with colorful morning balloon launches, evening balloon glows and additional festival activities. The family-friendly weekend is free to attend, with the main balloon launches beginning at approximately 7:30 AM each morning.
The festival spreads across areas surrounding CasaBlanca Resort & Casino. Morning launches take place from the Oasis Resort parking lot across from CasaBlanca, while Friday and Saturday evening balloon glows are held in the southwest parking lot at CasaBlanca.
Morning Hot Air Balloon Launches
The biggest draw of the weekend is the morning balloon launch, scheduled for approximately 7:30 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can watch crews prepare the balloons before they inflate and, when conditions cooperate, lift into the Mesquite sky.
Hot air ballooning is highly dependent on wind and weather, so launch times are approximate and flights can be delayed or canceled for safety reasons. Visitors primarily coming to see balloons in flight should arrive early and be prepared for schedule changes.
Friday and Saturday Night Glow
Friday and Saturday evenings include the Night Glow Candlestick Show from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The nighttime display takes place in the southwest parking lot at CasaBlanca Resort & Casino beneath the resort’s video marquee.
During a candlestick glow, balloon burners illuminate after sunset, creating bright bursts of color while the balloons remain on the ground. Like the morning launches, balloon-related evening activities may be affected by weather conditions.
Saturday Champagne Tasting
Saturday also includes a Champagne Tasting from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM inside the CasaBlanca Showroom. Admission to the tasting is free, but the experience is restricted to guests age 21 and older.
The indoor tasting provides an additional activity between the Saturday morning balloon launch and the evening Night Glow.
A Free Family Weekend in Mesquite
The morning balloon launches and Night Glow events are free and open to all ages. Families can attend one portion of the weekend or return for multiple launches and evening activities without purchasing general admission.
Because the balloon field is outdoors and January mornings in Mesquite can be cold, layered clothing is recommended for visitors arriving before sunrise. Comfortable shoes are also helpful for walking through the parking and viewing areas.
Where the Balloon Events Take Place
The festival uses more than one area near CasaBlanca Resort. Morning launches take place at the Oasis Resort parking lot across from CasaBlanca Resort & Casino, while the Night Glow is staged in CasaBlanca’s southwest parking lot.
Visitors staying at CasaBlanca can also use the resort as a convenient base for the weekend, with dining, hotel accommodations and other amenities available on the property.
Tickets and Registration
Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival is free to attend. No general admission ticket is required for the morning balloon launches, Friday and Saturday Night Glow events or Saturday Champagne Tasting. The Champagne Tasting is limited to guests age 21 and older.
