Events

Hot Air Balloon Festivals


Picture of Balloons

There are few sights as lovely as a flock of brightly colored hot air balloons drifting across the sky. In the coming months, there are festivals all across North America celebrating hot air balloons.

Although the high point of a hot air balloon festival is the flight of the balloons themselves, festivals also feature a variety of other fun events. Many include night glows, where tethered balloons are filled and lit up at night like giant lanterns. Specially shaped balloons are also popular, some so unique that it is surprising that they can fly. Most festivals also include non-balloon related events, such as concerts, fireworks, crafts shows, and car shows.

Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world and includes over 700 balloons representing many states and 22 countries.

Adam Matthews Balloon Festival in Louisville, Kentucky attracts over 100 balloons and the festivities include fireworks, concerts a children's activity center, a food festival, and a car show.

The International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, is the largest balloon festival in Canada, attracting over 350,000 visitors. As well as the 125 hot air balloons, the festival features over 150 shows, a learning center explaining the use and history of hot air balloons, a farm animal menagerie and a crafts tent.

The Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning in Readington, New Jersey features specially shaped balloons, including an eagle, an American flag, a giant Pepsi can, and the Energizer Bunny Balloon, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty. Despite their unusual forms, these are real balloon that actually fly.

Below is a listing of upcoming hot air balloon festivals in North America. Click on name of any city to visit a Website about the event:

Canada

Mexico

United States