Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026

This is becoming an annual tradition because if offers so many interesting photo opportunities and it’s an event our members really seem to enjoy!

Hot Air Balloons may not be the fastest way to fly the skies, but you can’t argue that they can be among the most colorful! Let’s take the opportunity to shoot these brightly colored balloons at the annual Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival taking place from January 23-25. Our official DPE day will be on Saturday, January 25, but feel free to attend and enjoy any or all of the days!

As the sun goes down, a balloon glow will take place in the evening (6-7pm), offering a beautiful photo opportunity of inflated balloons lit by their burners. And early each morning the balloons will take flight (weather permitting) for more photo opportunities as they go up, up and away! Spectators are invited to walk among the inflated hot air balloons on display for an up-close experience.

The Festival takes place at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, NV.

Click here for more information about the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival

Note that the balloon events are weather dependent, so the schedule could change without notice.

You can photograph this event and then also come to the a second, optional Meetup at Little Mt. Rushmore.

MEETUP INFO:
This is a NO HOST meetup; information is being posted solely to make DPE members aware of this event. If anyone plans to attend and wants to meet other group members, drop a note in the discussion section.

Mesquite is around a 90 minute drive from Las Vegas, so plan accordingly to arrive in time for the scheduled event(s).

The event schedule can be found online here.

MEETUP FEES:
There are no fees for this Meetup.

DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Assumption of Risk: You understand and voluntarily accept that outdoor activities such as hiking, off-roading, and photography carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, property damage, or other unforeseen harm. You agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and the participation of your guest(s).
2. Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.
3. Personal Responsibility: You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the requirements, and agree to participate at your own risk. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness, skills, and preparedness to participate in any event.
4. Guest Responsibility: If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their compliance.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.