The giant balloon festival in Ixtapan de la Sal is coming soon! For three days, the sky over this “magical town” will be lit up with kites and enormous balloons. There will also be live music, crafts, and a food court.
Everything is more than ready for the 2026 Ixtapan International Lights Festival. This year, Brazil, Colombia, and France will be the special guests; in fact, these countries will participate in a hot-air balloon exhibition on Friday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m., as well as on Sunday, August 16.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Ixtapan de la Sal Giant Balloon Festival
The festival will feature activities from August 14 to 16, 2026. As in past editions, the venue will be the Ixtapan de la Sal Sports Complex(Arturo San Román Blvd., no number, 10 de Agosto neighborhood, Ixtapan de la Sal).
This weekend will feature live music, a craft market, and a wide variety of dishes. The first launch of Chinese paper balloons will take place on August 14, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. That same day, at 8:00 p.m., La Factoría will perform.
On Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, there will be a kite exhibition and balloon launches. Activities will begin at 3:00 p.m. every day of the event, except on Sunday, when there will be a race at 8:00 a.m. Here’s the complete schedule.
Ixtapan de la Sal is a “magical town” in the State of Mexico, located two and a half hours from Mexico City. Take advantage of your vacation to head to this festival.
