Discover Florida's Top 4 Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Introduction
The Sunshine State also happens to be home to some of the most beautiful, exciting hot air balloon festivals around!
If you’ve always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride or wondered what it’s like to watch these modern marvels soar through the air, now’s your chance!
Check out Florida’s top 4 hot air balloon festivals to figure out which one you want to attend, or, better yet, hit up all three!
Jacksonville Balloon Festival
Dates: May 13 & 14, 2023
Location: Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, 543378 U.S. 1, Callahan, Florida 32011
Price: $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 to 18. Children 5 and under are free. Balloon rides are an additional $25.00 per person.
Balloon enthusiasts and families alike, be sure to mark your calendars for May 13 & 14, 2023, as the Jacksonville Balloon Festival comes back to the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds in Callahan.
Visitors can watch in awe and amazement as vibrant, colorful hot air balloons take flight, filling the sky with a full rainbow of bright hues, all set against the backdrop of rolling green hills.
Admission is $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 to 18, with free entry for children 5 and under.
Looking to check something off of your bucket list? Try out an affordable balloon ride. Balloon rides are available for an additional $25 per person, making this a can’t-miss event.
Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024
Dates: early May 2024 (on hold)
Location: Lakeland Linder International Airport
Price: Early bird pricing starts at $15
Prepare for a truly memorable experience at the Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled for early May 2024 at the Lakeland Linder International Airport.
Early bird pricing starts at just $15, so get your tickets soon to witness the beauty of hot air ballooning up close for an incredibly low price.
Aside from the hot air balloon flights, attendees can also enjoy live music, delicious food from vendors, and artisan crafts from local creators.
This festival also features nighttime glow shows, where spectators can get a glimps of the unique and truly mesmerizing sight of the glow of hot air balloons as they fill the night sky.
Whether you just want to soak up the stunning view of the beautiful balloons from the ground or want to check a hot air balloon ride off your list with a tethered ride, the Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival promises thrills for all attendees, regardless of age.
Orlando Balloon Festival
Dates: May 17-May 20, 2024
Location: Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave, Orlando, FL
Price: Ticket info coming soon
In Orlando? The you won’t want to miss the Orlando Balloon Festival, taking place from May 17 to May 20, 2024, at Blue Jacket Park in Orlando.
Watch as a kaleidoscope of colorful balloons ascends into the skies against the iconic backdrop of Orlando’s skyline, creating a truly captivating display.
We are still waiting on ticket information, but this popular hot air balloon festival promises attendees a weekend filled with live entertainment, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Don't miss the opportunity to attend what’s sure to be an unforgettable event that celebrates the wonder of this unique type of flight in one of Florida's most lively cities.
Tallahassee Balloon Festival
Dates: June 14-17, 2024
Location: North Florida Fairgrounds
Price: Ticket info coming soon
This last one, you won’t want to miss. Get ready for the Tallahassee Balloon Festival from June 14 to June 17, 2024, at the North Florida Fairgrounds.
Watch in amazement as hot air balloons light up the sky in a dazzling display of vibrant hues and light as the beautiful Florida sun sets during the evening balloon glow. There’s also a laser show, offering even more fun as you watch lasers dance across the sky.
This festival also entices attendees with live music, food vendors, and plenty of activities to enjoy, like a kids zone with games, bounce houses, mechanical bulls, and bungee jumps.
While we are still waiting on ticket information, the Tallahassee Balloon Festival is sure to be a highlight of your summer this year. Be sure to check back for ticket info as the event gets closer!
Conclusion
With these hot air balloon festivals in Florida, you really can’t go wrong.
Whether you bask in the evening hot air balloon glows and mesmerizing laser shows at the Tallahassee Balloon Festival, check an item off your bucket list with a tethered ride at the Jacksonville Balloon Festival or Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024, or enjoy local craft vendors and food trucks as you soak in the city vibe at the Orlando Balloon Festival, you’re sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
Since many of these events have not released ticket information yet, be sure to check back in as the events draw near so that you don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to bask in the beauty of hot air balloons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Tampa Bay balloon festival?
The Tampa Bay Balloon Festival will take place in Little Everglades Ranch.
How much is a hot air balloon ride in Florida?
A hot air balloon ride in Florida costs between $170 to $300, depending on what company you book with.
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?
