The Chester County Balloon Festival offers more than just balloon rides. It's a must-attend, family-friendly event. In addition to flying in the sky in gigantic aerostats, you can also enjoy helicopter exhibits, balloon history museum excursions, special-shape balloon rodeos, locally made crafts, a kids' zone, tethers, and nighttime glow displays.
If you get hungry at the festival, be sure to taste delicious meals and drinks from local food vendors. There will be a wine and a beer garden, as well as lunch booths. You’ll also be able to ride a mechanical bull, jump on a trampoline, and listen to live concerts. The location may change, but normally, the event is held at the Willowdale Steeplechase.
Chester County Balloon Festival Tickets
We suggest purchasing the tickets online and in advance. However, you can also buy them on-site with cash and credit cards. A One-Day Adult Ticket costs $22, a One-Day Child Ticket is $10, and kids under 6 years old have free entrance. Parking is also free.
The Best Time To See The Baloons
The balloons are most visible in the air in the mornings between 6 a.m. and 8 am and in the evenings between 5 pm and 7 pm. Pilots sometimes wait for the fog to clear or the winds to calm down before taking off.
Festival Bans
Chester County Balloon Festival kindly asks that you leave pets at home and don't bring them to the fest. Also, no outside food or drink, drones or UAVs, and umbrellas, except handheld ones, are allowed.
History
Chester County Balloon Festival was established in 1998, and this then has been the largest and continuing Hot Air Balloon Festival in the Brandywine Valley in Chester County and the state of Pennsylvania.
