Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship 2024

The Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship takes place in Harrison, located near the Buffalo National River and beautiful lakes. Witness over 20 hot air balloons rising and flying over the Ozarks. Enjoy a concert, wine, and beer gardens, as well as food and crafts vendors. Kids Corner offers inflatables, face painting, pony rides, and fun activities. The festival has been the favorite ballooning adventure for Arkansas families since 1995.

Festival Activities and Events

The festival's program starts on Friday afternoon with a fascinating balloon glow and a free live music concert at the Anstaff Soccer Complex. A petting zoo, camel rides, food, and merchandise vendors, as well as helicopter rides, are available from 4 to 9 pm.

The best time and place to view the hot air balloons flying is on Saturday and Sunday mornings from approximately 7 am to 9:00 am at the First Baptist Church located at 1400 S. Pine St.

Among the three-day Arkansas Balloon Festival highlights are tethered rides for $20 and the exciting Balloon Race Competitions. The races are scheduled for Saturday morning, from 7 to 9 am, and will continue on Sunday morning. Boone County Regional Airport Fly-In is another festival attraction that can't be missed. On Saturday evening, the festival offers another family-friendly fun night with a balloon glow, food, and activities for the entire family, like a cornhole tournament, bounce houses, and live music.

Admission

Although the event is free, certain attractions require payment. Helicopter Rides cost $40 per person for 5-mile ride and $80 per person for 10-mile ride. Tethered Rides prices for Saturday evening are $20 for general admission and $30 for go-pass admission. The petting zoo costs $5, camel rides are $10, and a petting zoo feed cup is $3. You can also join the Rotary Club Skydiving for $500 for a new flyer, $450 for a frequent flyer, and $400 for group flyers (2 and up).

Parking

Limited parking is available at the Anstaff Soccer Complex.