Top 15 Best Hot Air Balloon Festivals Near Atlanta, Georgia
Introduction
Get ready for a fun, new, exciting experience as hot air balloons take the skies over Atlanta, Georgia this year.
From the relaxing beauty of Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest to the adrenaline-inducing adventure of Kingsport Fun Fest 2024, these festivals offer Atlanta residents an exciting and unique experience.
So grab your friends and family and check out any one of these 15 hot air balloons near Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: TBD
Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway - Hampton, GA
Price: $20 adults; $8 kids
Look on in awe as hot air balloons soar against the backdrop of Atlanta's skyline at the Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Located at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA, this festival promises bucket list-wirthy balloon rides, gorgeous displays of hot air balloons, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.
With ticket prices at $20 for adults and $8 for kids, it's an affordable adventure for all ages.
Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens 2024
Dates: August 31–September 1, 2024
Location: Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA
Price: Free
You can find the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens 2024 nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA.
This festival promises a weekend of wonder and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. Taking place from August 31st to September 1st, 2024, this festival is free for all.
Gaze on in amazement as vibrant balloons gracefully float across the sky, and enjoy the various activities and attractions available throughout the gardens.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
Dates: May 30, 2024
Location: North Georgia’s Alpine Village – Helen
Price: FREE
On May 30th, 2024, prepare for a thrilling race of hot air balloons at the Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race in North Georgia's charming Alpine Village of Helen.
Witness the skies come alive with the invigorating sight balloons racing towards the Atlantic.
Admission to this exhilarating event is completely free, making it a great way to join in on the competitive spirit without reaching for your wallet.
Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Dates: March 8-9, 2024
Location: South Georgia State Fair
Price: Free
Headed to the South Georgia State Fair? Enjoy the Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show on March 8th and 9th, 2024 while you’re there.
Experience the enchanting sight of glowing balloons floating across the night sky alongside a dazzling laser display. Admission is free, so there’s really no reason to miss this one!
Above Athens Balloon Festival
Dates: September 30, 2024
Location: Sandy Creek Park - 400 Bob Holman Rd
Price: Free
The Above Athens is set against the gorgeous landscape of Sandy Creek Park on September 30, 2024.
And this free event promises a day filled with beautiful, hot air balloon-centered activities. Watch as colorful balloons ascend into the air, painting the sky with beautiful, bright colors.
St. Patrick’s Balloon Fest & Glow
Dates: March 8-9, 2024
Location: Dublin Civitan Fairgrounds
Price: Free
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Dublin Civitan Fairgrounds with the St. Patrick’s Balloon Fest & Glow on March 8th and 9th, 2024.
Festivalgoers can expect to enjoy a festive atmosphere with live music and entertainment as balloons light up the night sky. Plus, admission is free, so everyone can celebrate the holiday.
Watermelon Capital Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: TBD
Location: Georgia Veterans State Park
Price: Free
You don’t want to miss the Watermelon Capital Hot Air Balloon Festival at Georgia Veterans State Park.
Dates haven’t been announced just yet, but this annual festival always promises a breathtaking display of balloons soaring over the park's scenic landscapes. Admission here is also free, making this an event for all to enjoy.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic 2024
Dates: May 25th, 2024 - May 26th, 2024, 9am- 6pm
Location: Decatur, Alabama
Price: Free admission and free parking
Head just across state lines to Decatur, Alabama, on May 25th and 26th, 2024, for the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic.
With free admission, this event promises attendees two full days of fun-filled excitement including gorgeous hot air balloon displays.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: May 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2024
Location: OWA, 100 N. OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
Price: Free admission
Another popular option just across the state line is the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley, AL, from May 2nd to May 4th, 2024.
Located at OWA, this festival features hot air balloon rides, tethered balloon flights, and plenty of fun events for the whole family to enjoy.
With free admission, it's the perfect way to enjoy a weekend of fun and adventure on the Gulf Coast.
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: August 17, 2024, 4pm – 9pm
Location: Townsend Visitor Center, 7906 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN
Price: Ticket sales start spring 2024
Head over to Tennessee for the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival on August 17th, 2024, at the Townsend Visitor Center.
Look to the skies while balloons ascend against the striking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains during this evening event. Ticket sales start this spring, so act soon to get in on this chance to witness the beautiful display in one of America's most scenic locations.
Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest
Dates: October 26 & 27, 2024
Location: Jefferson County, Tennessee
Price: $15-$25 adults; $10-$15 Youth (ages 3-17)
October 26th and 27th, 2024, head to Tennessee for the Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest in Jefferson County, Tennessee.
Another balloon fest celebrated among the beautiful Smoky Mountains, this festival promises two days of gorgeous hot air balloon displays.
Whether you're an avid enthusiast or looking for something new for the family to enjoy, there's something for everyone.
Ticket prices are $15 to $25 for adults and $10 to $15 for kids 3 to 17, offering an affordable event for all.
Collierville Balloon Festival
Dates: TBD
Location: Maynard Way, Collierville, TN
Price: $25 adults; $15 Children (4 – 12 years of age)
You don’t want to miss the Collierville Balloon Festival, coming soon to Maynard Way in Collierville, TN (dates to be announced).
This exciting event will feature a beautiful ascent of dozens of balloons into the sky.
Ticket prices are an affordable $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 4 to 12, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy family fun featuring colorful hot air balloon flights against the backdrop of Tennessee's picturesque landscapes.
Monroe Life Balloon Festival
Dates: TBD
Location: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Tennessee 360, Vonore, TN
Price: General Admission $10
Another Tennessee option is the Monroe Life Balloon Festival, a celebration at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, TN (dates to be announced).
With admission costing only $10, this festival offers an affordable chance to enjoy the beauty of hot air balloons up close. Get ready to be amazed as colorful balloons fill the sky, creating a wonderfully unique experience for all who attend.
Kingsport Fun Fest 2024
Dates: July 19–27, 2024
Location: Kingsport—Allandale
Price: Ticket info coming soon
Gear up for a full week of excitement at Kingsport Fun Fest 2024, taking place from July 19th to 27th, 2024, at Allandale in Kingsport, TN.
While we’re still waiting on ticket info, this festival promises a wide array of engaging activities, including hot air balloon displays, live entertainment, and tasty food vendors.
Check back for updates on ticket availability and enjoy a week of fun-filled events in the heart of Tennessee.
Hot Air Affair 2024
Dates: August 30–September 2, 2024
Location: Williamston, Anderson County, South Carolina
Price: FREE
The Hot Air Affair 2024, happening from August 30th to September 2nd, 2024, in Williamston, Anderson County, South Carolina, is one hot air balloon event you don’t want to miss.
Head over to South Carolina for a weekend of hot air balloon displays, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Best of all, admission to this exciting event is entirely free, so there’s really no good reason to miss out on the fun.
Conclusion
Whether you stay in Atlanta for the Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival or head across state lines to one of the free hot air balloon festivals like the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Alabama or the Hot Air Affair 2024 in South Carolina, you should enjoy at least one of these hot air balloon festivals near Atlanta this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the hot air balloon ride in Atlanta?
A hot air balloon ride in Atlanta is around $300 for a standard flight.
Where are the biggest hot air balloon festivals?
The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the biggest hot air balloon festival in the US.
What does a hot air balloon ride cost?
A hot air balloon ride costs around $300. Learn more about why hot air flights are expensive.
Where can you ride a hot air balloon in Alabama?
Some of the most popular companies that offer hot air balloon rides in Alabama include Alabama Jubilee, Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Co, and Altitude Adventures.