Saratoga Balloon & BBQ Festival 2025 in New York State

If you like meat and flying, you can indulge in both of your passions during the annual Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival, held every August at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. This family-friendly festival showcases the best food and entertainment in New York's Capital District.

The beautiful sight of 30 hot air balloons over the Adirondack Mountains is one of the main highlights of the festival. Visitors can enjoy balloon launches during sunset and sunrise. A balloon glow is another awaited event, usually taking place on Friday night.

The weekend of summer outdoor fun has a packed schedule, which also includes plenty of food. The most skillful BBQ chefs fire up their smokers and grills to compete in the Steak Cooking Championships. The beer and wine gardens are also available. The Marketplace offers some serious shopping, featuring 75 exhibitors selling arts, crafts, and sundries. Entertainment includes live music, various performances, a dog show, a magic show, helicopter rides, and a car show. Kids' zone offers pony rides, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, and face painting. Admission is $12.00 for adults. 1-hour long balloon rides are available at sunrise and sunset with prices starting at $249. Parking on the festival site is free.