Best time to go to Maine

Great Falls Balloon Festival 2024

Colorful hot air balloons in a beautiful setting of the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn

Dates: August 16–18, 2024

Great Falls Balloon Festival
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Great Falls Balloon Festival

The Great Falls Balloon Festival is an annual event held every August in the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine. Thousands line the banks of the Androscoggin River in Simard-Payne Memorial Park to see dozens of balloons filling the skies. The festival attracts about 100,000 attendees. In addition to various balloon rides, there is a carnival with rides, live music, games, and vendors with food and various merchandise.

Balloons are launched at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival, weather permitting. There are also tethered rides available in​ the main field. Special shape balloons fly in the mornings only. In the evening, these balloons are inflated and create a glow for the crowd. Moonglow is one of the main festival's highlights. It happens after the Friday evening launch. Ballons, with their burners on, are lit by the moon at Simard-Payne Memorial Park. It's quite a sight!

The Great Falls Baloon Festival offers live entertainment on two stages in Lewiston and Auburn. An open mic on Friday night at the Auburn stage or karaoke on the Lewiston stage on Saturday afternoon is a great chance to show off your talent! The festival also features a Medieval Encampment in Bonney Park by The Society for Creative Anachronism.

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Last updated: by Olha Savych