Looking to be taken to new heights with some of hot air balloon festivals in 2025? That’s an excellent idea, as there’s simply nothing quite like watching a kaleidoscope of colorful hot air balloons take to the skies and painting the horizon with vibrant hues and whimsical shapes.
Hot air balloon festivals across the USA are more than just breathtaking sights—they’re unforgettable adventures filled with music, food, and family-friendly fun.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager for a ride or a photographer chasing the perfect shot, these balloon festivals are guaranteed to deliver awe-inspiring moments that’ll live with you forever.
From the iconic Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to hidden gems in small-town America, I’m here to help you discover the best ballooning adventures that will lift your spirits and your sense of wonder!
1) Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Credit: Unsplash | Ben Curry
When: October 2025
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bringing together more than 900,000 visitors over 9 days, the Albuquerque International Music Fiesta is the biggest hot air balloon festival in the USA. This exciting festival features 600+ balloons in all sorts of special shapes, themes, and characters. The backdrop of this thrilling event is the incredible Sandia Mountains and New Mexico desert. With a history that dates back to 1972, it’s arguably the best hot air balloon festival in the world!
The first balloon launches at around 6 am, and if you’re an early bird, you can watch as the sun rises and fills up with hundreds of balloons. If early mornings are not your thing, you can always watch as the balloons take to the air at sunset. Both occasions will provide you with excellent photo opportunities. Throughout the day, the festival is lined up with an exciting array of activities, from flying competitions to public balloon rides. While most do take to the sky, there are tethered rides for those with a serious fear of heights. There are also a ton of vendors selling all sorts of tasty foods, gifts, and clothing. This New Mexico hot air balloon festival also features live entertainment, car shows, and a firework show.
2) Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
Credit: Unsplash | Megan Lynette
When: August 31-September 2, 2024
Where: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Taking place in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is a hot air balloon event you don’t want to miss. Each year during Labor Day weekend, around 70 balloons take to the sky between 7 and 9 am in majestic fashion. This event has taken place in Colorado Springs for the past 40 years and draws thousands of visitors to its ground each year. Compared to other hot air balloon festivals in the USA, this one is relatively small.
But that doesn’t mean that it lacks entertainment and beautiful scenery. Watching the balloons fly over the Rocky Mountains and its surrounding area is really quite a spectacle to behold. So don’t forget to pack in your camera to capture some unforgettable memories. Its additional events include a hot air balloon race, a donut-eating competition, and a skydiving contest. Since Colorado Springs is a popular outdoor destination, visitors can also enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and wakeboarding in the nearby Prospect Lake. There are also numerous biking and hiking trails. After a full day of fun, you can stand back and watch as the balloons take to the sky again or join in on the fun of hot air ballooning with a ride.
3) Teton Valley Balloon Rally
Credit: Teton Valley Balloon Rally
When: July 4-7, 2024
Where: Driggs, Idaho
Experience the magic that comes to life once a year in a little town on the west side of the Tetons.
There’s no better place to spend Independence Day than at the Teton Valley Balloon Rally, one of the best balloon festivals in the US. With the amazing Teton Mountains as the backdrop, this hot air balloon festival takes place over three days and provides top-class entertainment. This festival has been taking place for about 40 years and features about 15 to 20 balloons. Each day begins with an early morning ascent. You can watch as the pilots and crew prepare the balloons for take-off, then watch them ascend into the sky as the first rays of light appear.
What’s great about this festival is that you can camp on the grounds where the balloon festival will be held, so you’ll be close to all the exciting action. Start the day off by grabbing some pancakes and other delicious food and prepare to be blown away. If you’re keen on some thrilling action, you can pre-book tickets to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. If you’re lucky, you may find walk-in flights and tethered balloon rides available in person during the festival. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy various activities on the Driggs grounds, like parades, a fiddlers contest, and much more.
4) New Jersey Lottering Festival of Ballooning
Credit: New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
When: July 2025
Where: Reading, New Jersey
The largest summertime hot-air balloon and music festival in the US!
This epic event in New Jersey is highly regarded as one of the best hot air balloon festivals in USA history — yes, it’s an all-timer. Running for nearly 40 years, it attracts over 100,000 people each year. It takes place every year on the 744-acre grounds of the Solberg Airport in Readington. This festival is one of the biggest events in New Jersey, taking place during the summer and featuring over 100 balloons. Here, you’ll find all sorts of balloons, including giant pandas, astronauts, and emoji-themed ones.
Each day starts with a morning take-off and ends with an evening ascent and descent. There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, including a 5k race, a thrill show, and food and craft stalls to explore. What makes this festival unique is that you can book a VIP experience. This will include perks like front seats to balloon take-offs, access to private parties, and a sunrise brunch.
During the day, it also doubles as a music festival where artists from different genres take to the stage. You can end the day off by watching the balloons take off into the night sky, followed by a grand fireworks show.
5) Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
When: May 2025
Where: Lake Skinner, California
The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is one of the coolest hot air balloon festivals/ most unique events in all of California and should definitely not be missed! The festival takes place in the picturesque landscapes of the Lake Skinner Recreation Area and a number of stunning vineyards. This epic three-day festival combines the best hot air balloon experiences with some of the best food and wine in California.
In the morning, you can enjoy a balloon ride or watch as the balloons take off. Then, throughout the day, you can enjoy wine tasting and sample wines and craft beers from over 20 wineries. Pair your wine tasting with an array of delicious cuisine from over 100 vendors. If you’re not keen on drinking or taking to the sky, you can always enjoy some of the wine barrel races or live concerts. Or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
In the evening, you can watch the balloon glow show as a number of hot air balloons take to the sky just before sunset.
6) Great Forest Park Balloon Race
When: September, 2024
Where: St. Louis, Missouri
The Great Forest Park Festival is the second-oldest hot air balloon festival in the USA and will celebrate its 53rd edition in September 2025. For the last 50 years, it has been attracting over 100,000 people to St. Louis for a weekend of fun!
And the best part? Due to the event’s generous main sponsor, it is completely free to attend. The only thing you’ll need to pay for is your food and drinks, with food trucks and festival food tents available. You can also bring your own refreshments, but you can’t bring cooking appliances or glasses. The event usually starts on Friday evening when thousands gather to enjoy live entertainment. Shortly after opening, the balloon glow starts just before sunset, when the balloons light up like fireflies.
The final day features hot air balloon races, an exciting skydiving performance, and an air race between over 70 experienced pilots. The day ends with crowning the winner and more entertainment.
7) Great Reno Balloon Race
When: September 5-7, 2025
Where: Reno, Nevada
The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest hot air balloon festival in the US when it comes to free festivals. It attracts over 140,000 people a year from all around the globe.
While having humble beginnings starting off with a mere 20 balloons in 1982, this event now offers more than 100 balloons over the three-day event! Each day starts off bright and early when a few balloons rise up into the dark just before sunrise.
You can sign up for an early morning ride or just stand back and watch this marvelous display. Throughout the day, there are numerous activities that can be enjoyed by everyone. Some highlights of the Great Reno Race include the world’s biggest pajama party, the Balloon Blackjack competition, and the tissue paper hot air balloon launch. The toilet paper launch is the perfect event for kids, as they can show off their creative side. It features a number of balloon creations in all shapes, sizes, and colors made completely out of toilet paper. There’s also Balloon Boulevard, where you’ll find numerous food vendors and stalls selling gifts and souvenirs.
8) National Balloon Classic
When: July 25 – August 2, 2025
Where: Indianola, Iowa
The National Balloon Classic is one of the longest hot air balloon shows in the USA, taking place over a nine-day period. It’s been one of the most exciting Indianola events for the past 40 years. The opening night starts off with an evening take-off followed by an unforgettable fireworks show!
Every day, over 100 colorful balloons paint a majestic picture in the sky as they float around the Indianola area. There’s also plenty to enjoy on the ground, where you can watch balloon races, skydiving demonstrations, and even a 5k race.
There’s a stage featuring various live performances and food vendors serving up tasty treats. While you’re here, check out the National Balloon Museum, where you can learn more about the history of hot air balloons and view artifacts and exhibitions. In the evenings, you can watch as the balloons prepare to take off for the balloon glow. On the final night, this exciting event will be closed off with a cracking firework display.
9) Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair
Credit: Havasu Balloon Fest
When: January 9-12, 2025
Where: Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Voted as one of the best festivals in Arizona, the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair is one of the most exciting events that you can attend in the state. Set against the stunning scenery of Lake Havasu and the peaks of the rugged Mohave Mountains, this event is quite majestic!
The festival takes place yearly over a weekend in mid-January. Every day starts off with an early morning ascension at around 6 am. After that, the funfair begins. Here you can enjoy live music, carnival rides, and all the delicious foods and treats associated with fairs. There are also numerous vendors selling cute arts and crafts. As evening approaches, enjoy basking in the glow of 100s of hot air balloons.
10) Red Rock Balloon Rally
Credit: Red Rock Balloon Rally
When: December 6-8, 2024
Where: Gallup, New Mexico
Get a bird’s-eye view of the red cliffs and valleys over Gallup. Each year in December, Gallup hosts the Red Rock Balloon Rally where 200+ colorful balloons can be seen at sunrise hovering above the beautiful red sandstone canyons and towering rock spires.
Besides ballooning, the rally is a cultural event, where you can taste authentic New Mexican food, watch Native American dances, and shop for handcrafted Native arts and jewelry. Head to downtown Gallup for a Christmas parade and more celebrations. The best part is, admission is free to all events.
11) Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft and Music Festival
When: June 20-22, 2025
Where: Quechee Green, Vermont
Once again, the skies over Quechee and the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire will be filled with hot air balloons ushering in the annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival, the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England.
Don’t miss this exciting festival featuring up to 15+ hot air balloons with five flights scheduled throughout the festival and additional tethered rides during the day. Enjoy continuous music and entertainment for all ages, and over 50 craft artisans and commercial vendors and several interactive activities in our Free Kids Zone. And of course there will be festival food with local healthy options and a beer and wine garden, with more surprises on site!
12) Carolina Balloon Fest
Credit: Carolina Balloon Fest
When: October 17-19, 2025
Where: Statesville, North Carolina
Carolina BalloonFest is another vibrant, family-friendly hot air balloon festival held every October in Statesville, North Carolina, blending colorful balloon launches with an exciting carnival atmosphere. Crisp autumn air, a sky dotted with dazzling balloons, and a weekend packed with fun!
Start your day with mass balloon ascensions and tethered rides, then enjoy live music, craft beer and wine, and a bustling marketplace. Kids will love the Family Fun Zone, while foodies can savor local eats from various vendors. Don’t miss the enchanting Evening Balloon Glows, where balloons light up the night sky in a magical display.
13) Arizona Balloon Classic
When: January 24-26, 2025
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona’s Premiere Hot Air Balloon Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the 14th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic! From January 24-26, 2025, the skies over Goodyear Ballpark will burst with color as vibrant hot air balloons lift off, creating a stunning spectacle.
Walk among the inflating balloons and snap awe-inspiring photos as they take flight. Don’t miss the breathtaking Desert Glows on Friday and Saturday nights, where tethered balloons light up the desert sky! Enjoy balloon rides, BMX stunt shows, a family fun zone, live music, and the delicious StreetFoodFest. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure—it’s a festival you won’t want to miss!
Held at the grassy fields of Goodyear Ballpark, located in the suburb of Phoenix, the Arizona Balloon Classic takes place every January!
14) Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
When: July 2025
Where: Santa Rosa, California
The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic is an annual festival held in Windsor, California, celebrating the beauty and thrill of hot air ballooning. Typically taking place over a weekend in early summer, this event draws enthusiasts and spectators alike to witness a breathtaking display of colorful balloons filling the skies at dawn.
The highlight is the “Dawn Patrol,” where balloons light up and launch in the pre-dawn darkness, creating a magical spectacle. Attendees can also enjoy balloon rides, tethered lifts, food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. It’s a beloved community event blending adventure and scenic wonder in the heart of wine country.
15) Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: May 1-3, 2025
Where: Foley, Alabama
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable weekend of fun, food, and breathtaking balloon displays
“Foley is the spot for high-flying adventure and family fun at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Enjoy the entertainment, arts and crafts displays and more at the festival site daily. Balloon flights, glows and tethered rides (weather permitting) add to the fun at dawn and dusk. Admission is FREE!”
Am I missing any epic hot air balloon festivals?
There are a ton of hot air balloon festivals 2024 has in store for people who’re gaga about hot air balloons, including the ones I’ve listed above. However, I’m sure there are more that I haven’t mentioned here and I’d love to learn about them. So please do reach out if you know of any others.
Looking for more exciting festivals in the USA?
The USA is filled with a range of exciting things to do and places to stay. Check out some of my other articles to help you plan your next trip…
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there’s a balloon festival in Plano, Texas (20 mi. N of Dallas) annually. Sept 19-22, 2024 worth looking into