Magical Medora, North Dakota’s Breathtaking Balloon Rally

You know how summer is in North Dakota.  You blink and it's over and one of the events that will be here before you know it is Medora's annual hot air balloon rally.

This year's event titled "The Medora Hot Air Balloon and Badlands Kite Fest" will take place from Friday, September 6th  through Sunday, September 8th.  This coincides with the closing of the Medora Musical for another season.

There's a full weekend of events scheduled for the whole family.

According to the Medora, Explore It, Adore It, website, if you would like to watch the balloons take off you will need to meet in the grassy lot south of the Medora campground, next to the city pool and tennis courts.

The event starts at 6:30 am both Saturday and Sunday.  The alternate take-off location will be near Theodore Roosevelt's old ranch, south of the city of Medora, depending on the weather that day.

Plus, breakfast will be available in the parking lot with hot coffee, a breakfast sandwich, and more.

The balloon schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Saturday, September 7th there will be a pilot briefing at 5:15 am before the passengers arrive at 5:45 am.  The balloons will take flight at 6:30 am sharp and will land at 8:00 am.  Sunday, September 8th will see the same exact schedule for pilots and riders.

*If you would like to ride in one of the balloons, you will need to know one of the pilots.

The schedule for the Badlands Kite Fest is as follows:

Friday, September 6th kites will be flying from 2 pm to 4 pm weather permitting.  Saturday, September 9th, and Sunday, September 10th kites will be flying from 10 am to 4 pm weather permitting.

If you decide to bring your own kite you are asked to steer clear of the kites already in the air. The Kite Flyers will be located at the top of the Burning Hills Amphitheater.  Just look for the kites to find the location.

The Kite Flyers will be located at the top of the Burning Hills Amphitheatre — just look for the beautiful kites!