The Snowmass Balloon Festival will celebrate its 40th year when large hot air balloons take to the skies September 18th through the 20th.

Snowmass Village near Aspen will be the scene of the 40th annual balloon festival in what's called one of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country.

Some 30 pilots will compete in various challenges, including a distance race that covers the Roaring Fork Valley.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Saturday Evening Glow, which features the brightly colored balloons in the night time sky. The festival also features music as well as activities for kids. All balloon festival events are free to the public.

The Snowmass Wine Festival is the same weekend, along with the Motoring Classic at Aspen Snowmass, a car show showcasing rare classic sports cars from 1965-1995.

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