The Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place on the fourth weekend of August at Norton Park in Plainville, Connecticut. The popular event, organized by the local fire company, gathers thousands of ballooning enthusiasts. Its main attractions are an evening balloon glow, fireworks, live music, a car show, an arts and crafts fair, food trucks, and balloon rides. The festival is free for the public to attend.
Schedule of the Fest
The three-day Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival program starts on Friday evening with an amazing balloon glow. On Saturday morning, there is a balloon lift-off at about 6 am, and the program runs until 6 pm. Sunday is another day packed with fun activities from morning until evening.
Some balloonists will offer tethered rides on Friday night for an additional fee. Flights can be arranged in advance through the specific balloon companies. The fireworks display is set to start around 9:15 on Friday night. In case of bad weather, the show will be rescheduled for Saturday. Crafters, vendors, food, and entertainment will be available throughout both days.
Tickets & Parking
All the action will happen at the Norton Park. The event itself is free of charge and open to the public. Parking at the off-site locations, Robertson Airport on Johnson Avenue and the Plainville High School Parking Lot on Robert Holcomb Way, is available for $5. Ample handicapped parking is available at Norton Park. Also, there will be a bus service to transport the public from the off-site parking areas to Norton Park.
