Colorful Skies: The Ultimate Guide to Hot Air Balloon Festivals in New England
Introduction
New England, home to delicious seafood, picturesque scenery, and the Patriots, is also a destination for something else: hot air balloon festivals.
We’ll go state by state to give you the very best hot air balloon festivals in New England that you have to check out this year.
Connecticut
Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: TBD August 2024
Location: Norton Park, Plainville, Connecticut
Price: Free
Every August, Norton Park gears up for The Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival; Connecticut’s premiere hot air balloon festival.
Between the breathtaking sunset hot air balloon displays against the gorgeous backdrop of Norton Park in Plainville, Connecticut, attendees are in for a weekend of captivating sights and family-friendly fun completely free of charge.
Whether you go for the arts and crafts vendors, the food trucks, or, of course, the beautiful hot air displays, you won’t want to miss this beloved local festival.
Guilford Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Dates: August 16th - 17th, 2024
Location: The Guilford Fairgrounds
Price: $12-$57 depending on age of person and 1-day or 3-day pass
The Guilford Balloon Glow & Laser Show is a unique event held at the Guilford Fairgrounds on August 16th - 17th, 2024.
The beauty of hot air balloons mixes with truly mesmerizing laser light displays that illuminate the night sky at this festive celebration.
With 2 days of fun and tickets starting at an affordable $12, this is an event not to be missed.
Maine
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
Dates: August 22-25, 2024
Location: Northern Maine Fair Association, Presque Isle, Maine
Price: Free
From August 22nd to 25th, 2024, the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest offers festival goers a unique experience in Presque Isle, Maine.
Taking place at the Northern Maine Fair Association grounds, this festival offers quite a beautiful sight as colorful hot air balloons dazzle the skies against the backdrop of Maine's stunning landscapes.
From sunrise launches to dazzling evening glows, attendees can marvel at the magic of hot air ballooning.
The best part? Admission is completely free, making it a budget-friendly event for families and balloon enthusiasts alike.
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Dates: August 16-18 2024
Location: 46 Beech St, Lewiston, ME, United States, Maine
Price: Ticket info coming soon
The Great Falls Balloon Festival, scheduled for August 16-18, 2024 in Lewiston, Maine, is certain to amaze all who attend. Located at 46 Beech St, this festival promises a weekend filled with wonder as hot air balloons of all shapes, colors and sizes soar over the picturesque Great Falls region.
While organizers have not yet announced specific dates and ticket information, this long-awaited event is sure to be a highlight of the summer. Check back for updates on ticket availability and mark your calendars for a weekend fun in Lewiston.
Massachusetts
Green River Festival
Dates: June 21st-23rd, 2024
Location: Franklin County Fairgrounds, Greenfield, MA
Price: $69.99 (1-Day Pass)
From June 21st to 23rd, 2024, head over to the Green River Festival.
Attendees can immerse themselves in the jovial atmosphere and look on as beautiful, colorful balloons take flight at sunrise and sunset against the picturesque backdrop of the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. Green River Festival promises a weekend filled with music, food, and, of course, the enchanting sight of hot air balloons filling the sky.
With a one-day pass priced at $69.99, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of live entertainment, local arts and crafts vendors, and tasty food trucks, making it a perfect summer festivity for the whole family to enjoy.
The Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Dates: October 4 - 14, 2024
Location: Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston St, Topsfield, MA
Price: Ticket info coming soon
From October 4th to 14th, 2024, The Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show brings the Topsfield Fairgrounds to life.
This unique event invites visitors to look on in awe as glowing hot air balloons light up the night sky.
Set against the backdrop of the Topsfield Fairgrounds, attendees can also look forward to enjoying live music, food trucks, and truly mesmerizing laser light displays.
Ticket information is yet to be announced, however this festival promises a memorable experience that is sure to create lasting memories for everyone in attendance.
New Hampshire
Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Location: Drake Field, Pittsfield, NH
Price: Ticket info coming soon
The Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally, Taking place from August 2nd to 4th, 2024 at Drake Field in Pittsfield, promises a weekend jam-packed with excitement and wonder.
This beloved event allows attendees the unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of colorful balloons ascending at sunrise and sunset.
Aside from the captivating balloon launches, festivalgoers can partake in tethered rides and evening glow displays, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Come back for ticket information and get ready to experience the beauty of New Hampshire from a whole new perspective.
Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair
Dates: July 11th – 14th 2024
Location: Grimes Field - Hillsborough, New Hampshire
Price: Free
The Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair takes place from July 11th through the 14th, 2024 at Grimes Field.
Here, attendees can experience the charm of small-town New Hampshire as hot air balloons illuminate the sky. This family-friendly event offers a weekend of festivities, including balloon launches, carnival rides, and plenty of live entertainment.
Best of all, admission to the festival is free, so there’s no reason to miss out. Whether you're gazing upon the balloons from the ground or taking a ride in one of these unique forms of flight yourself, the Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair promises an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of summer in New Hampshire.
Vermont
Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: June 14-16 2024
Location: Village Green, Quechee, VT
Price: Ticket info coming soon
The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place from June 14th to 16th, 2024, on the quaint Village Green in the heart of Quechee.
This festival captivates visitors each year with its gorgeous display of bright, colorful balloons against the backdrop of Vermont's lush greenery. Look forward to three days filled with wonder and excitement as balloons gracefully ascend into the sky.
With live music, delicious food, and a variety of family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
Stay tuned for ticket information as the event approaches.
Stoweflake Balloon Festival
Dates: beginning of July
Location: Stowe, Vermont
Price: $10 (Kids under 12 are free)
The Stoweflake Balloon Festival, scheduled for the beginning of July, is an annual highlight of Vermont's summer calendar.
For just $10 for admission (with kids under 12 get in for free), attendees can witness a gorgeous array of colorful balloons as they take flight against the backdrop of Vermont's majestic mountains.
Whether you're a seasoned balloon enthusiast or a first-time spectator, the Stoweflake Balloon Festival has something amazing to offer you. You won’t want to miss this beloved Vermont tradition.
Conclusion
Whether you enjoy the evening glows and mesmerizing lazer shows at Crown of Maine Balloon Fest in Maine or take a tethered ride at the Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally in New Hampshire, you won’t want to miss these spectacular hot air balloon festivals in New England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the hot air balloon festival in NY?
The most popular hot air balloon festival in NY is at Glen Falls.
What is the best month to launch a hot air balloon?
Generally, the months of May-September are known as the best months to launch a hot air balloon.
What is the most famous hot air balloon festival?
The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the most famous and the biggest hot air balloon festival in the US.
What is the hot air balloon capital of the United States?
Albuquerque, New Mexico is considered the hot air balloon capital of the United States.
Why are hot air balloon rides so expensive?
Hot air balloons require a special pilot’s license to fly and use a lot of fuel, and the fuel cost can fluctuate, leading to higher and ever-changing hot air balloon ride prices. For more info, read our breakdown on why are hot air balloon rides so expensive?
