8 Must-Experience Hot Air Balloon Festivals Near Massachusetts

Photo by carlos aranda

Introduction

Are you ready to experience something unlike anything you’ve ever seen before in Massachusetts? You came to the right place!

These hot air balloon festivals around Massachusetts offer the perfect opportunity to gaze upon beauty of vibrant hot air balloons balloons floating through the sky, all within a reasonable drive from home. 

Check out these eight must-see hot air balloon festivals that will definitely offer fun new excitement for your friends and family.

Adirondack Balloon Festival

Dates: TBD

Location: Crandall Park, 576 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY

Price: FREE

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is held at Crandall Park in Glens Falls, NY (dates TBD!)

This fun festival features a gorgeous, colorful display of hot air balloons, offering a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience for attendees of all ages. 

The best part? Admission is free, so everyone can come enjoy this beautiful celebration of hot air balloons, cocktail parties, and festivities for the whole family.

Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival

Dates: August 30, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Location: Tymor Park, Lagrangeville, NY

Price: $23.95* for evenings; $13.95* for mornings; $37.95* All-Weekend Access Pass

FREE - Children are admitted for free under age 3.

The Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival offers patrons a great way to experience the unique magic of hot air balloons soaring against the stunning backdrop of Tymor Park in Lagrangeville, NY. 

They will host both morning and evening sessions, as well as an all-weekend access pass available, allowing this festival to offer flexibility for attendees to enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloon ascents.

Plus, kids under 3 get in for free, so this is a great outing to take the whole family to!

Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally

Dates: August 2-4, 2024

Location: Suncook Valley, Pittsfield, NH

Price: FREE

The Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally in Pittsfield, NH offers attendees a way to embrace the beauty of hot air balloons entirely free of charge. 

This fun and unique event promises a weekend filled to the brim with excitement as dozens of colorful and vibrant balloons take to the skies above Suncook Valley. 

This is one you’ll definitely want to bring all of your friends and family to.

Photo by Andrea Enríquez Cousiño

Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival

Dates: June 14-16 2024

Location: Quechee, VT

Price: Ticket info coming soon

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival in Quechee, VT, this June 14-16. 

Not only will there be over 15 hot air balloons taking flight, this festival also offers attendees a chance to take a hot air balloon ride themselves!

We unfortunately do not have ticket information available just yet, but this festival will no doubt offer guests an unforgettable experience set against the picturesque landscapes of Vermont

Hillsboro Summer Festival

Dates: July 11-14, 2024

Location: Grimes Field, Hillsborough, NH

Price: FREE

Grimes Field in Hillsborough, NH, is home this July 11-14 to the Hillsboro Summer Festival

This entirely free event offers festivalgoers a huge variety of activities aside from hot air balloon displays, including carnival rides, live entertainment, and even a 5k!

The wide variety of festivities in combination with the hot air balloon celebration at this summer festival make it a perfect summer outing for the whole family.

Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival

Dates: June 7-9, 2024

Location: Cambridge Valley, NY

Price: FREE

The Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival in Cambridge Valley, NY is sure to be an enchanting event that is not to be missed. 

Admission is entirely free, but you wouldn’t know it based on how much fun this festival has to offer. Attendees can take in the beautiful view of colorful balloons taking flight against the scenic backdrop of countryside views. 

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of hot air ballooning up close.

Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival

Dates: TBD August 2024

Location: Norton Park, Plainville, Connecticut

Cost: Free

Yet another wonderful hot air balloon coming up near Massachusetts is the Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival in Plainville, Connecticut.

This popular annual event promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. 

This festival offers the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of hot air balloons soaring high above Norton Park. The best part is it’s totally free to all!

Guilford Balloon Glow & Laser Show

Dates: August 16th - 17th, 2024

Location: The Guilford Fairgrounds

Cost: $10-$75 depending on age of person and 1-day or 3-day pass

Experience the dazzling beauty of the Guilford Balloon Glow & Laser Show at the Guilford Fairgrounds. 

This event offers a riveting blend of hot air balloons and truly mesmerizing laser displays, creating an air of excitement for attendees of all ages.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of awe-inspiring entertainment.

Photo by Mar Cerdeira

Conclusion

While you will have to leave the state to experience the magic of a hot air balloon festival, you have plenty of options within a reasonable driving distance. 

Head over to New York for the Adirondack Balloon Festival or the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Drive across state lines to check out the Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally or the Hillsboro Summer Festival in New Hampshire. Or make the trek to Vermont to enjoy the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival.

No matter what you do, don’t miss the opportunity to make memories at one of these unique hot air balloon festivals near Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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