Floating Fantasies: 11 MUST-SEE Hot Air Balloon Festivals Near Plano, Texas
Introduction
If you live in the DFW area, you’re likely acquainted with one of the larger cities in the metroplex. While less well-known than Dallas, Plano has plenty of hot air balloon festivals within a few hours’ drive.
Here is the ultimate guide to the 11 best hot air balloon festivals near(ish) Plano, TX.
Plano Balloon Festival
Dates: September 19-22, 2024
Location: Oak Point Park / Red Tail Pavilion, Plano, Texas 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Price: $10 - Adult Ticket; $ 5 - Kids 3-12 years old
The Plano Balloon Festival is an incredibly popular annual event held at Oak Point Park from September 19th to 22nd, 2024.
Attendees will observe the spectacle of hot air balloons soaring through the sky, but that’s not all. The festival will have a wide variety of entertainment for all ages, including live music, a variety of food vendors, and even a kid's zone.
With tickets priced at just $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 12, it's an affordable and quite memorable experience for the whole family.
The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Solar Eclipse Festival
Dates: April 08, 2024
Location: Grapetown Vineyard & Farm, 8142 Old San Antonio Road Fredericksburg, TX
Price: General admission tickets start at $45
One of the most unique hot air ballooning events is the Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Solar Eclipse Festival taking place on April 8th, 2024, at Grapetown Vineyard & Farm.
This festival capitalizes on the upcoming solar eclipse by combining the beauty of hot air balloons with the unique spectacle of a solar eclipse to promise audiences an extraordinary experience.
This festival is the only one that offers a unique opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon in a stunning setting. General admission tickets start at $45, but, while on the pricier side, the cost is certainly worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship + Great Texas Balloon Race
Dates: June 14-16, 2024
Location: 1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview, TX
Price: $15 for Friday only; $20 for Saturday only; and $30 for a weekend pass.
Have a competitive spirit and looking for a hot air balloon race to celebrate that? Then head to Longview, Texas, from June 14th to 16th, 2024.
The U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship and the Great Texas Balloon Race come together to create one memorable event. Spectators can expect to be amazed at the skill and precision of balloon pilots as they compete for the title.
Tickets are just $15 for Friday, $20 for Saturday, or $30 for a weekend pass, offering some financial flexibility for attendees to enjoy the excitement.
Skylight Balloon Festival
Dates: September 27-28, 2024
Location: Real Life Center, 16765 Lookout Rd, Selma, TX
Price: Adults 12+ - $15.00; Children 3yrs - 11yrs - $10.00; Children under 2yrs FREE
The Real Life Center in Selma, Texas is transformed into the home of the Skylight Balloon Festival offers a weekend of beauty and excitement on September 27th and 28th, 2024.
Attendees can watch in amazement as colorful balloons fill the sky, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene. With admission prices of $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 3 to 11, it's also an affordable event for families looking for something a bit different to enjoy together.
Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay
Dates: March 29-31, 2024
Location: Horseshoe Bay Resort
Price: Festival Packages available. See Horseshoe Bay Resort for details.
Watch the beauty of hot air balloons as they soar against the backdrop of Horseshoe Bay Resort from March 29th to 31st, 2024.
Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay offers a fun-packed weekend of entertainment with festival packages available for attendees to choose their own adventure. Whether you’re enjoying balloon rides or simply enjoying the sight of the hot air balloons from the ground, there's something for everyone at this enchanting event.
Terrell Freedomfest
Dates: TBD
Location: Terrell Municipal Airport
Price: FREE
The Terrell Freedomfest is an annual celebration held at the Terrell Municipal Airport. While specific dates for the event are not yet available, it's sure to be an occasion worth the drive.
This entirely free family-friendly festival combines the unique spectacle of hot air ballooning with a wide variety of other fun activities like live music, food vendors, and fireworks displays.
Bring your friends and family along to witness the colorful balloons dotting he sky against the backdrop of plenty of Independence Day festivities.
Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: September 2, 2024
Location: Lake Kyle Park, 700 Lehman Road, Kyle, Texas
Price: FREE
An exhilarating adventure at the Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place on September 2, 2024, at Lake Kyle Park in Kyle, Texas.
This popular local event offers attendees of all ages the opportunity to experience the magic of hot air ballooning in a beautiful location for free. Prepare to be mesmerized as colorful balloons gracefully ascend into the sky above the tranquil waters of Lake Kyle.
From sunrise liftoffs to truly enchanting balloon glows at dusk, the festival offers one fun-filled day for balloon enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Pack your picnic baskets, get your friends and family together, and enjoy a memorable day of hot air balooning at the Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Paris Balloon and Music Festival
Dates: September 13-14, 2024
Location: Lamar County Fairgrounds, 570 E Center Street, Paris, Texas
Price: Ticket info coming soon
The Paris Balloon and Music Festival will take place at the Lamar County Fairgrounds on September 13th and 14th, 2024.
While we’re still waiting on more ticket info, attendees can expect a weekend packed with live music, delicious food, and, of course, a beautiful display of hot air balloons soaring through the sky. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of ballooning in the downright adorable town of Paris, Texas.
Lufkin Balloon Fest
Dates: TBD
Location: Kit McConnico Park
Price: Ticket info coming soon
Get ready for a weekend of hot air balloon-centered excitement at the Lufkin Balloon Fest held at Kit McConnico Park.
While the specific dates for this festival are yet to be announced, it’s sure to be one of the best parts of the year. This festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lufkin's beautiful green landscapes, is an immersive experience for everyone in the family.
From thrilling hot air balloon rides to enchanting evening balloon glows, there's something for everyone at the Lufkin Balloon Fest.
Fredericksburg Balloon & Kentucky Derby Event/ Wine and Chocolate Festival
Dates: May 4, 2028
Location: Grapetown Vineyard and Farm, 8142 Old San Antonio Road Fredericksburg, TX
Price: $15 adults; $10 Kids Pass (Age 3-18)
The Fredericksburg Wine and Chocolate Festival (which is combined with the Fredrickburg Balloon & Kentucky Derby Event) is a truly sensual event set to take place on May 4, 2028, at the scenic Grapetown Vineyard and Farm in Fredericksburg, TX.
This delicious festival offers attendees carefully curated pairings of fine wines and artisanal chocolates. Enjoy a wide selection of wines from the numerous local vineyards while treating your taste buds to an array of decadent chocolates crafted by talented chocolatiers while you watch hot air balloons soar over the scenic Fredricksburg vineyard.
Admission is only $15 for adults and $10 for kids aged 3 to 18, making it an affordable opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day of treats and entertainment all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Events
Dates: June 7-8, 2024
Location: City Square, 116 Oak Ave, Sulphur Springs, TX
Price: Ticket info coming soon
Prepare for a unique and historic annual event in Hopkins County at the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Events, happening on June 7th and 8th, 2024.
This beloved annual festival, held at the City Square in Sulphur Springs, honors the dairy industry's contributions to the Sulphur Springs community with a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of cheeses, ice cream, and other tasty dairy treats.
Whether it’s dairy-themed parades and livestock shows or ice cream socials and cheese tastings, there's a little bit of something for everyone at this beloved local event. Get ready for a moo-velous time!
Conclusion
Whether you stay local for the Plano Balloon Festival or take a mini road trip to Fredricksburg for the Fredericksburg Balloon & Kentucky Derby Event for some wine and chocolate, you’ll want to make it out to at least one of these balloon festivals near Plano, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to Plano Balloon Festival?
It costs $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3-12 years old to go to the Plano Balloon Festival.
How big is the Plano Balloon Festival?
The Plano Balloon Festival is a large event, drawing in 90,000 attendees each year.
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?
What do you wear to a balloon festival?
It’s recommended that you wear comfortable, light-colored clothing to hot air balloon events, as they often take place outside during warmer weather. It’s also that you bring sunglasses and sunscreen.