Bruno Pugh
Ever dreamed of floating above the world in a colorful balloon? From one coast to another, the U.S. hosts some truly spectacular hot-air balloon festivals. Get ready for dawn launches, night glows, and endless photo ops as we look into 15 of the most breathtaking balloon festivals across America!
New Mexico: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Witness a nine-day spectacle as 500+ balloons paint the October sky. This record-breaking event features mass ascensions, special-shaped rodeos, and mesmerizing night glows. In 2019, they set a Guinness World Record with 524 balloons launching simultaneously. It’s a bucket-list-worthy kaleidoscope of colors and shapes!
Colorado: Labor Day Lift Off (Colorado Springs)
This is a perfect blend of high-flying thrills and down-to-earth fun that’ll make your Labor Day unforgettable. So, kick off your holiday weekend with 70 balloons soaring against the Rocky Mountains. Beyond colorful ascensions, enjoy skydiving demos, aerial acrobatics, and quirky contests like donut-eating.
Nevada: The Great Reno Balloon Race
Experience the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event each September—a sunrise spectacle! Catch the ethereal 5 am Glow Show, followed by the daring Dawn Patrol. The highlight? A mass ascension of 100 balloons, including a special Smokey Bear balloon celebrating its 80th birthday.
Kentucky: Great Balloonfest (Louisville)
Kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival with this April aerial extravaganza. Watch balloons race across Louisville’s skyline, then stick around for the spectacular “Balloon Glow” at night. It’s literally a high-flying prelude to the most exciting two minutes in sports!
Washington: Great Prosser Balloon Rally
Wake up to “Dawn Patrol” launches, sip local wines, and watch evening “Night Glow” spectacles. It’s a perfect combination of Washington’s natural beauty, fine wines, and lighter-than-air adventure. Every September, you will see Prosser’s wine country skies fill with vibrant balloons.
Pennsylvania: Chester County Balloon Festival (Kennett Square)
Come to this three-day family event and drift over the picturesque Brandywine Valley. Indulge in harnessed rides, twice-daily balloon rides, and a bustling beverage garden. There’s something for everyone, including live music and a special kids’ area. It’s the ideal balance of excitement and leisure!
California: Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival (Winchester)
Seek out wines from twenty California wineries after floating over scenic vineyards in peculiar balloons shaped like strawberries. This one-of-a-kind May festival combines wine sampling with ballooning. Don’t miss the exciting racing with wine barrels! Adventure and leisure are perfectly balanced.
Alabama: Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic (Decatur)
This festival, which is situated on the Tennessee River, also includes tractor and vintage automobile shows. Enjoy Memorial Day with over sixty imaginative balloons that reach up to seven floors. For half of the US population, it’s a Southern spectacle that can be reached in a day’s drive.
Maine: Great Falls Balloon Festival (Lewiston)
Pilots from all over the northeast get together for local food, tethered rides, and colorful launches at this event. Take in the night glow as balloons resemble enormous lanterns. It’s an amazing trip to Maine! Come August, float over the Androscoggin River in this quaint New England hamlet!
Missouri: Great Forest Park Balloon Race (St. Louis)
Watch expert pilots compete in this invitation-only event since 1973. The unique “Hare and Hound” race sees balloons chasing a lead balloon, dropping beanbags on a target. With 150,000 picnicking spectators, it’s a beloved St. Louis tradition that brings the community together.