Salina City hosted the 18th Annual Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival from June 20–22, 2025. The event brought together 24 hot air balloons and visitors from across the region for a weekend of entertainment, food, and community activities.
New leadership and morning launches
Under the direction of new balloonmeister Thayne Peterson, the festival included iconic morning launches. Peterson, a professional pilot who has flown in Salina 15 times, noted that pilots often enjoy the tradition of dipping balloons in Redmond Lake.
Morning launch logistics and breakfast
Balloon launches occurred on Friday and Saturday mornings at 6:00 a.m. from the North Sevier Middle School lawn. Breakfast was provided by American Legion Post 36 and BSA Troop 2020 during these morning sessions.
Friday evening street festival highlights
Friday evening featured a Main Street street festival, which included the Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Krissy and Bronson Hallows of Muddy Pawz Salon. Musical entertainment on Friday night included a free concert by the Rockabilly band The Beetdiggers and a new Neon Dance Party with DJ Pink Flamingo.
Community fun at the dance party
Festival President Carol Lowman stated that the dance party provided wholesome fun for all ages, featuring various music genres along with glow gear and neon face painting by the NSHB drill team.
Saturday daytime and evening entertainment
Saturday morning activities on Main Street included chalk art, inflatables, a bouncy obstacle course, and two performances by the FMX stunt show, Moto with a Message. The evening concert featured Nashville recording artist Carver Louis, sponsored by State Bank of Southern Utah.
Vendors and concluding balloon glow
Throughout the weekend, attendees could visit craft and food vendors. The festival concluded with the traditional Balloon Glow on Main Street.
