Discovering Maine's Top Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Introduction
Known for its picturesque scenery and internationally recognized Acadia Park, Maine is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.
But aside from the beautiful views and iconic lighthouses, there’s another thing Maine has going for it; two gorgeous, fun-filled hot air balloon festivals.
Taking place every August, both of these festivals offer tasty food, family-friendly entertainment and activities, and, of course, inspiring hot air balloon displays against beautiful scenery.
Have something to check off your bucket list? Take advantage of the tethered and untethered rides available at both festivals for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest offers sunrise and sunset hot air balloon ascents, live entertainment, a craft fair, and even a 5k road race.
The Great Falls Balloon Festival is a complete carnival experience with food, craft vendors, rides, karaoke, an open mic night, and even a Midieval Encampment.
Check out what makes each of these unique Maine festivals worth checking out.
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
Dates: August 22-25, 2024
Location: Northern Maine Fair Association, Presque Isle, Maine
Price: Free
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest will take place this year from August 22nd to 25th, 2024 in the beautiful Presque Isle, Maine.
This highly popular Maine event promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Hosted at the Northern Maine Fair Association grounds, this festival will offer an enchanting display as colorful hot air balloons fill the skies against the backdrop of Maine's beautiful landscapes.
Attendees can immerse themselves in the beauty of hot air balloons all day long, beginning with sunrise ascents and evening glow flights. Aside from watching the balloons soar through the skies, visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment, a craft fair and vendors, tethered rides, food, and more. There’s even a 5K road race to participate in or spectate at.
The best part? Admission is completely free, making it both accessible and budget-friendly 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
This year, the iconic Great Falls Balloon Festival is scheduled to take place August 16-18, 2024 between Lewiston and Auburn, Maine. It will start at 46 Beech St in Lewiston, where the balloons will proceed in their flight route to Auburn.
This festival promises a weekend filled with excitement and awe as a myriad of beautiful hot air balloons soar above the gorgeous Great Falls region.
Thousands of folks (upwards of 100,000 each year on average!) gather along the Androscoggin River at Simard-Payne Memorial Park to enjoy the festivities of this hot air balloon festival and carnival.
There are balloon launches scheduled for 6:00 am (featuring special shaped balloons at the morning show!) and 6:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival, allowing for early birds and night owls alike to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of hot air balloon flights. Visitors can also get in on the hot air balloon action by enjoying tethered balloon rides.
This event also includes a full carnival, complete with rides, live music, games, and vendors with food and merchandise.
two stages at Lewiston and Auburn. Become a part of the live entertainment yourself with an open mic on Friday at the Auburn location or karaoke on the Lewiston stage on Saturday afternoon.
There’s even a Medieval Encampment in Bonney Park by The Society for Creative Anachronism.
Conclusion
Both the Crown of Maine and the Great Falls Balloon Festival promise a good time for balloon enthusiasts and families looking for a good time alike.
From beautiful sunrise and sunset hot air balloon ascents to night glow shows to 5Ks and even karaoke, both Maine hot air balloon festivals offer a little bit of something for everyone.
Head out this August to take advantage of live entertainment, enchanting hot air balloon displays, tethered and untethered rides, and more.
Since both festivals take place on different weekends, you can enjoy days of hot air balloon-related fun by attending both events!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Great Falls balloon festival Maine?
The Great Falls Balloon Festival in Maine will take place at Lewiston and Auburn, Maine.
Where is the largest hot air balloon festival located?
The largest hot air balloon festival in the world is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Where is hot air balloon festival celebrated?
There are hot air balloon festivals all over the world, with the largest taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Where did hot air balloon land in Vermont?
The hot air balloon that went rogue landed in an Interstate 91 median in Vermont.
