Natchez Balloon Festival 2024 in Mississippi

Since 1986, the Natchez Balloon Festival has been making childhood dreams come true. Visitors can soar in a hot air balloon, enjoy fireworks, and play games throughout the weekend. The festival offers a full day of activities to keep both kids and parents entertained.

Festival Highlights

The festival is held on the scenic grounds of Rosalie Mansion overlooking the Mississippi River, providing breathtaking views. Hot air balloons are launched on three days of the festival, weather permitting. Flights occur in the morning, around 7:30 am, and in the late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday, around 4:30 pm, offering the opportunity to experience dawn or sunset from the sky. Remember, inclement weather will stop the balloon races, so plan to attend on a clear and calm day.

Activities

The festival offers a variety of ground activities, including concerts, workshops, and delicious festival food. This year’s lineup features The Chee-Weez, The Lincoln Outfit, Taj Farrant, The Heartshakers, Eric Gales, and CHAPEL HART. The Natchez Balloon Festival Arts and Crafts Fair showcases a wide array of handmade arts and crafts by local and traveling artists. This weekend of hot air balloons, exceptional live music, and all activities has become the largest and most successful festival in Southwest Mississippi.

Schedule

Visitors can join the 39th annual Natchez Balloon Festival on October 18-19, 2024. On Friday, gates open at 4 pm with the last show starting at 8 pm. On Saturday, gates open at 11 am with the last show beginning at 8 pm.

Tickets

A weekend pass is $40 in advance and $50 at the gate. Friday night tickets are $20 both in advance and at the gate. Saturday tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate. Note that there are no festival activities on Sunday. Weather permitting, balloons will ascend from the north end of the bluff on Sunday afternoon, and no ticket is needed to watch the launch. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Historic Natchez Foundation at 108 S. Commerce St. or online. Admission is free for children under 10.

Parking

A large, free parking lot is available adjacent to the festival site, accessible from D.A. Biglane Drive. Additional parking is offered at the Visitor Center, with shuttles running to and from the festival site. As the festival is located in downtown Natchez, street parking is also available.

Rules & Restrictions

No pets are allowed, except for service dogs with proper uniforms and credentials. Outside food, drinks, firearms, and weapons are prohibited on the festival grounds. Only drones operated by the Natchez Balloon Festival are permitted.