Heavenly Horizons: 9 BEST Hot Air Balloon Festivals Near Maryland
Introduction
As things begin heating up in Maryland, you won’t want to miss the hottest events in and around Maryland: the hot air balloon festivals.
But which ones are worth attending?
Our hot air balloon experts scoured the internet to bring you all the info you need to know about the 9 hottest hot air balloon festivals in and near Maryland this year!
Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival
Dates: August 25–27, 2024
Location: Triple Creek Vineyards in Cordova, Maryland
Price: $35 adults; kids 15 and under are free
The Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival will take place from August 25th to 27th, 2024 at the picturesque Triple Creek Vineyards in Cordova, Maryland. Tickets are $35 for adults and free for kids 15 and under, making it a budget-friendly choice for families looking for a fun activity to do before back-to-school season.
This festival promises a captivating experience for all attendees, regardless of age or level of experience with hot air ballooning. From beautiful, colorful balloon launches to tethered rides offering unique and breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this event that every Maryland resident will want to attend.
The Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Dates: August 2-3, 2024
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds
Price: $20 adults; $8 kids; 5 and under are free.
The Balloon Glow & Laser Show is sure to be a spectacular event that’s scheduled to take place on August 2nd and 3rd, 2024, at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds.
This uniquely luminous festival combines the breathtaking beauty of hot air balloons with the intrigue and amazement of laser light displays, creating a truly memorable experience for attendees of all ages.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for kids, with free entry for children aged 5 and under, making it an affordable option for families seeking an exciting, unique event as the summer winds down.
As the day turns to night, watch in amazement as the balloons illuminate the night sky in a gorgeous show of color and light, accompanied by hypontizing laser shows shining along the horizon.
From carnival rides to delicious food vendors, there's a wide array of excitement to enjoy while at this one-of-a-kind festival in Maryland.
Balloons Over Rockbridge
Dates: July 6–7, 2024
Location: Virginia Horse Center Oak Hill property in Lexington, Virginia
Price: Free admission
You will need to leave the state for this one, but don’t worry, the Virginia Horse Center Oak Hill property in Lexington, Virginia is just a short drive away. The Balloons Over Rockridge Festival is set to take place on July 6 and 7, 2024.
Take in the beautiful spectacle of bright, colorful balloons as they ascend against the scenic backdrop of the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley.
Admission to this one is free for all ages, so there’s no reason why you should miss this exciting balloon festival.
The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: August 17–18, 2024 (unconfirmed)
Location: Flying Circus Aerodrome, Bealeton, Virginia
Price: $15
Another great option for Maryland natives looking to experience the magic of hot air balloons is the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton, Virginia, on August 17 and 18, 2024 (dates unconfirmed).
At the low price of just $15 per ticket, you can affordably immerse yourself in both the beauty of watching hot air balloons as they float in the sky and enjoying a balloon ride yourself at this unique festival.
Chester County Balloon Festival
Dates: June 14-16, 2024
Location: 101 E Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA
Price: $22.00 + $3.31 Fee
Take the short drive to Kennett Square, PA, from June 14 to 16, 2024, for the Chester County Balloon Festival.
Festival goers get the opportunity to soak up the sights of colorful balloons filling up the skyline while also enjoying plenty of festivities on the ground.
Tickets are $22.00 plus a $3.31 fee.
Lancaster Balloon Festival and Country Fair
Dates: September 12-15, 2024
Location: 2727 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA
Price: Ticket info coming soon
Gear up for a weekend of fun and excitement at the Lancaster Balloon Festival and Country Fair from September 12 to 15, 2024, at Bird in Hand, PA.
While ticket information is still forthcoming, this combination balloon festival and county fair promises a long weekend full of excitement for the whole family to enjoy.
Western PA Balloon Quest
Dates: August 2024 (unconfirmed)
Location: 304 S Scotland Ln, New Castle, PA
Price: Ticket info coming soon
While we don’t have much info on this one, we thought we would include it! Check back for more information soon!
Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event
Dates: June 13-16, 2024
Location: Allegheny College Sports Complex, 204 Park Ave., Meadville PA
Price: FREE
This Father’s Day weekend, head to the Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event in June 13-16, 2024, located in Meadville, PA.
Get ready for a weekend of fun as hot air balloons take to the beautiful Pennsylvania skies at this entirely free event.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dates: September 27-29, 2024
Location: The Slatington Airport 1000 Airport Ln Slatington, PA
Price: $20 adults; $15 kids 12 and under
Kiss the summer goodbye and welcome in fall and spooky season with the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at The Slatington Airport from September 27 to 29, 2024.
Enjoy a blast of a weekend of spooky fun and breathtakingly beautiful hot air balloons, with tickets priced at an affordable $20 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under.
Conclusion
Whether you stay in Maryland for the Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival or head out of state for a unique experience like the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pennsylvania or the The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival in Virginia, make sure to set aside a weekend to enjoy one of these beautiful hot air balloon festivals in and around Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Harford County cancel Balloon Festival?
Hartford County canceled their balloon festival in 2023 due to “numerous unresolved safety concerns,” but it appears to be back on for 2024.
Where is the best hot air balloon festival?
The best hot air balloon festival is generally regarded to be the one in Albuquerque, NM, though there are plenty of great balloon festivals closer to Maryland.
Why was Balloon Festival Cancelled?
Hartford County canceled their balloon festival in 2023 due to “numerous unresolved safety concerns,” but it appears to be back on for 2024.
Where is hot air balloon festival celebrated?
The largest hot air balloon festival is celebrated in Albuquerque, NM.
