Bucket List Alert: Experience the Magic of Georgia's 6 Premier Hot Air Balloon Festivals!
Introduction
Georgia’s fascination with the adventurous, unique form of flight that a hot air balloon flight promises is celebrated each year with multiple enchanting hot air balloon events and festivals.
Check out these top 6 hot air balloon festivals in Georgia to experience the wonder of this unique experience.
Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race
Dates: Thursday, May 30, 2024
Location: North Georgia’s Alpine Village – Helen
Price: Free
The Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race is a popular event that combines the beauty of hot air ballooning with an element of competition. This thrilling race offers breathtaking views as balloons float through the North Georgia mountains on the picturesque Alpine Village of Helen. Visitors witness the colorful spectacle as the hot air balloons race toward the Atlantic.
Above Athens Balloon Festival
Dates: September 30, 2024
Location: Sandy Creek Park - 400 Bob Holman Rd
Price: Free
The Above Athens Balloon Festival is a must for all balloon enthusiasts and families looking for a unique experience alike. This festival features a beautiful array of hot air balloons soaring above the Athens skyline from Sandy Creek Park. Attendees enjoy tethered balloon rides, live music, an array of food vendors, and a variety of unique and engaging activities, making it the perfect outing for a weekend of fun and adventure.
Watermelon Capital Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: TBD
Location: Georgia Veterans State Park
Price: Free
The first hot air balloon event of the year in Georgia is the Watermelon Capital Hot Air Balloon Festival, held annually at Georgia Veterans State Park. This festival offers a classic combination of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and, of course, hot air balloons. Visitors can watch the beautiful balloons as they pepper the sky above the serene landscapes of the park. The fun continues with carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and delicious watermelon-themed treats.
Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Dates: March 8-9, 2024
Location: South Georgia State Fair
Price: Free
Our top pick for families with young kids looking for a hot air balloon event to attend, the Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show runs March 8th and 9th and features a Kid Zone with games, rides, musicians, and more.
They will also have local craft and retail vendor booths where local entrepreneurs sell their wares as well as plenty of food vendors offering festival-style favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes.
For folks looking to check something off their bucket list, they will also offer $25 tethered hot air balloon rides, where spectators can experience the beauty of Southern Georgia from high up in the sky. The event closes out each night at dusk with a hot air balloon and laser show.
St. Patrick’s Balloon Fest & Glow
Dates: March 8-9, 2024
Location: Dublin Civitan Fairgrounds
Price: Free
Celebrate St. Paddy’s day in Dublin, GA with Dublin’s annual St Patrick’s Balloon Fest & Glow on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Located at Dublin Civitan Fairgrounds and presented by Saint-Gobain ADFORS, this all-ages free event has a little bit of something for everyone.
Along with all-day displays of beautiful, colorful hot air balloons (including featured specialty balloons tba), attendees will enjoy live entertainment including music from local artists and can take advantage of the concession stand offering tasty snacks.
Tethered and untethered hot air balloon rides will be offered at the hot air balloon owners’ discretion, with prices starting at $250 per person.
Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens 2024
Dates: August 31–September 1, 2024
Location: Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA
Price: Free
Close out the summer with the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens On August 31-September 1st, 2024. The free event features over 30 hot air balloons soaring over the beautiful Callaway Gardens.
The festival also offers attendees plenty of other waterfront activities including a car show, a K9 show, live music, craft booths, and, of course, delicious food from local vendors. Tethered balloon rides are available on both days from 8 to 11 am and from 4 to 8 pm.
The highlight of the show is the Balloon Glow, beginning at 8:30 pm and featuring hot air balloons that appear like lanterns in the night sky over Robin Lake Beach, followed by a dazzling fireworks show to close out each evening.
Conclusion
Whether you're a long-time hot air balloon enthusiast or a first-time spectator looking for a new experience, these festivals are sure to ignite the imagination and create lasting memories for everyone. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a totally unique adventure at one of these hot air balloon festivals in Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the biggest hot air balloon festival held?
The biggest hot air balloon festival in the US is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How much is a hot air balloon ride in Georgia?
A hot air balloon ride in Georgia typically costs between $250 and $295 for an untethered hot air balloon ride depending on the location.
Where is the most famous hot air balloon festival?
The most famous hot air balloon festival in the US is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How much does it cost to ride the hot air balloons at Callaway Gardens?
It costs $250 to ride the hot air balloons at Callaway Gardens.
Where is hot air balloon festival celebrated?
There are many hot air balloons available to visit in Georgia. A few of the most popular ones include the Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race in North Georgia’s Alpine Village in Helen, the Above Athens Balloon Festival in Athens, and Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain.
Are hot air balloon rides worth it?
The sights combined with the unique feeling of floating through the open air make hot air balloon rides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that most passengers feel is worth it for the price.