Hot Air Balloon Festivals

10/17/2026

Two kinds of balloon magic—which one would you choose?

🌅 An early morning watching colorful balloons rise into a golden sky…
✨ Or an evening watching balloons glow like giant lanterns?

Tell us your favorite below: SUNRISE or BALLOON GLOW! Can’t choose? “Both” is welcome, too! 😊

10/16/2026

🎈 WEEKEND FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT: CAROLINA BALLOONFEST! 🎈
📍 Statesville, North Carolina
📅 October 16–18, 2026

Colorful skies, glowing balloons, and a little autumn magic! Carolina BalloonFest returns this weekend with balloon launches, morning competitions, live entertainment, festival food, an Artisan Village, and family fun. 🍂🎶

✨ A few highlights:
🎈 Afternoon mass ascensions—all three days
🌅 Morning balloon competitions—Saturday and Sunday
🔥 Evening balloon glows—Friday and Saturday
🌟 Drone shows—Friday and Saturday

All balloon activities depend on weather and safety conditions.

🚨 IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU GO: Online ticket sales are closed, and all parking is SOLD OUT. Gate admission is not guaranteed. Organizers encourage anyone without a previously purchased ticket to plan for 2027 instead.

Already have your tickets? Tell us what you’re most excited to see—and share your balloon photos in the comments! 📸🎈

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10/15/2026

Help us fill the skies—and our calendar—for 2027!
Know of a hot air balloon festival announcing its 2027 dates? Share the event name, dates, location, and website link in the comments below so we can add it to our listings!
Tag a festival organizer or fellow balloon fan to help spread the word. 🌎🎈

10/13/2026

The Flint Hills Balloon Festival is BACK and bringing 30+ hot air balloons to fill the skies by day and glow by night!

🌅 Morning magic: Balloon Launch: Watch balloons lift off, and paint the horizon from Manhattan's Northeast Community Park! Grab breakfast from one of the food trucks, grab a good view, and see these magnificent flying machines take off!

🌙 Evening glow: New location! Come walk through the Kansas State Recreational Fields (Corner of Kimball & Denison), and see 30+ balloons light up the night. Get up close and personal, and meet your favorite balloon pilots! There will be food trucks and parking on site.

No tickets, no hassle — this unforgettable experience is FREE for all!

-Don't miss these moments:

•Friday, November 13:
7:00 AM - Balloon Launch @ Northeast Community Park
6:00 PM - Walk-Through Balloon Glow @ Kansas State Recreational Fields

•Saturday, November 14:
7:00 AM - Balloon Launch @ Northeast Community Park
6:00 PM - Walk-Through Balloon Glow @ Kansas State Recreational Fields

Save the dates, gather your crew, and get ready to experience the magic of hot air balloons lighting up the Flint Hills!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!

**WEATHER PERMITTING**

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CDZenLToi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/05/2026

🎈 Day 5: First time at Balloon Fiesta?

A little planning can make your visit more enjoyable!

⏰ Arrive early: Allow extra time for traffic, parking, and getting to the field.

🧥 Dress in layers: Pack something warm for the early morning and wear comfortable walking shoes.

📱 Check official updates: Balloon activities depend on weather, so check the Fiesta’s announcements before heading out.

My packing list would also include a charged camera, water, and a little patience! 🌅

Experienced Fiesta visitors—what’s your best tip for someone going for the first time?

10/04/2026

Imagine the morning chill, the sound of burners firing, and balloon after balloon rising into the New Mexico sky. A mass ascension is one of the signature sights of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta—and a reason to set that alarm early! 🌅

The balloons launch in coordinated waves, weather permitting, gradually filling the sky with color.

Would you wake up before sunrise for this view? I certainly would!

10/03/2026

🎈 It’s opening day at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

Our Day 3 spotlight celebrates the start of nine days of balloon excitement, October 3–11. From colorful morning launches to evening glows, there’s plenty to put on your bucket list! 🌅✨

If you’re attending, check the official festival updates before heading out—balloon activities depend on the weather.

What would you want to see first: a mass ascension, special-shaped balloons, or an evening glow?