Everyone has heard of the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, the most photographed balloon event in the world, but there are several balloon festivals in the USA to chose from.
With magical backdrops like the rocky Great Falls in Maine, the mountains of Colorado, or Idaho’s majestic Grand Teton Mountains, balloons of all shapes and sizes draw visitors from all over the world to marvel at the sight of balloons aglow in he dusk and dawn, to watch the skies filled with color and to take off as well up up and away in a beautiful balloon of their own.
COLORADO
BalloonaVista
June
Buena Vista, Colorado
BalloonaVista, in the high-altitude hamlet of Buena Vista, is for people who revel in their love for hot-air balloons. Visitors watch as dozens of hot-air balloon enthusiasts take to bluebird-colored skies against a mountainous backdrop. When the sun goes down, attendees experience an eerily beautiful sight, a balloon glow. Hot-air balloon burners illuminate the orbs with warm light, and visitors are treated to rows of giant luminaries. In addition to hot-air balloons filling the skies, live music will be floating in the summer air as visitors stroll the Buena Vista Art Walk.
For more information visit: www.balloonavista.com
IDAHO
Summerfest
July
Driggs, Idaho
A festival featuring more than 30 hot air balloons in a race overlooking the majestic Grand Teton Mountains.
Four days of balloon rides, games, parades, rodeo action, golf tournament, bike races, a fiddler's contest and a craft and antique fair.
Glider rides and balloon flights are available during the festival and year round.
For more information visit: www.tetonvalleychamber.com
MAINE
Great Falls Balloon Festival
August
Lewiston/Auburn, Maine
One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in northern New England this festival of more than 15 years attracts over 100,000 visitors and at least 30 to 40 balloons (including some special shape balloons) each year.
Located on the banks of the beautiful Androscoggin River, with its backdrop of the rocky Great Falls, the festival also features 30 different food booths, craft and trade stalls, and a children’s area. Music is provided by many different entertainers, from children’s shows to blues singers, to jazz, pop, and oldies. A carnival, parade, and various demonstrations and contests round out the weekend events.
For more information visit: www.greatfallsballoonfestival.com
NEVADA
The Great Reno Balloon Race
September
Reno, Nevada
The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot air ballooning event in the Nation. From its humble beginnings in 1982 with just 20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with more than 100 balloons each year. Attracting an average of 140,000 visitors each year, The Great Reno Balloon Race has won many awards over the years including 'Best Special Event in Reno' and 'Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.'
For more information visit: www.renoballoon.com
NEW MEXICO
International Balloon Fiesta
October
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the premier ballooning city due to the crystal skies, perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the "Albuquerque Box." With a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, the box allows balloonists to control and even retrace their adventure.
Balloon Fiesta Park covers over 200 acres and is filled with balloons and vendors selling everything from traditional New Mexican food to Balloon memorabilia.
Each year balloons come from around the world to participate in the event and news coverage originates from more than 50 countries. It has become the most photographed event in the world.
For more information visit: www.balloonfiesta.com/
NEW YORK
Adirondack Balloon Festival
September
Queensbury, New York
Voted one of the top 100 events in the country by event goers of the American Bus Association, the Adirondack Balloon Festival features several balloon flights over four days as well as kids activities, art shows, kite flying, military aircraft displays, and fireworks.
The event takes place in the city of Glen Falls, the town of Queensbury, Lake George Village Battlefield Park and Adirondack Community College with five balloon launches featuring more than 350 balloons of all shapes and sizes.
For more information visit: www.adirondackballoonfest.org
OKLAHOMA
Poteau Balloonfest
October
Poteau, Oklahoma
This popular hot air balloon festival features 20 hot air balloons with races and glows, live entertainment, 4 X 4 exhibition, mud pit races, burn out contest, stage coach rides, authentic chuck wagon, arts & crafts, children's games, native american dancers, fun times carnival, food vendors, pet costume contest, airplane show, skydivers, helicopter rides and more.
Highlight of the event is the 'Shockwave Jet Engine Truck' the world's fastest truck recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records at speeds of 376 mph.
For more information visit: www.poteau.org
SOUTH CAROLINA
Freedom Weekend Aloft
May Memorial Day weekend
Simpsonsville, South Carolina
Throughout the weekend this hot air balloon festival offers one hundred beautiful hot-air balloons competing daily.
Other activities include exciting concerts by the nation’s top entertainers, amusement rides, games, sponsor displays, children’s activities, skydivers, regional music stages, the US Disc Dog Freedom Weekend Nationals (Frisbee Dog Contest), sky-high fireworks. A beach blast features a Kidzone, rides, vintage car show and live music.
For more information visit: www.freedomweekend.org
VIRGINIA
Hot Air Balloon Rally
July
Lexington City, Virginia
A Celebrating Independence Day, the Hot Air Balloon Rally features piloted and tethered hot air balloon rides, live musical entertainment, children's activities, antique appraisals, classic car show, lots of food and a dazzling firework display!
A tradition for more than 12 years, this rally in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley takes place on the parade grounds at Virginia Military Institute.
For more information visit: www.sunriserotarylexva.org/balloon.htm
