Carolina Balloon Fest 2024 in North Carolina

The Carolina Balloon Fest is a family-friendly three-day event held on the third weekend of October at the Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina. Visitors can bring their own blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy a spectacular view of over 50 hot air balloons covering the sky. Don't hesitate to participate in ballooning activities and balloon flights.

Carolina Balloon Fest Highlights

There is also live music, wine and craft beer tasting, an artisan village, a crafts marketplace, and food vendors. Among the other fascinating events, guests should visit Balloon Chasers 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Registration features a one-day pass to the Carolina BalloonFest ($20) and on-site parking.

The main highlights of the festival are the balloon ascensions, flyovers, and Saturday evening’s balloon glow. Kids can explore a giant hot air balloon from the inside at the Kids Zone and an escape room, while adults enjoy live entertainment on the Main Stage.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot Air Balloon Flights launched twice daily, so you can take this opportunities early morning and late afternoon. Balloon Rides are $400 per person and it's separate purchases from the Festival ticket.

Carolina Balloon Fest Schedule

Friday

On the first day of the festival, the gates open at 3 pm with Kids Zone ending at 7 pm, featuring Inflatables for free and Walk-In Balloon for $2. The NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden also ends at 7 pm. Main stage entertainment will last until 8:15 pm, and the Mass Ascension Launch Window is from 4:30 to 6 pm. The Evening Balloon Glow Window will conclude the festival day from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Saturday

On festival Saturday, the gates open at 7 am, and the first event of the day is Hot Air Balloon Competition, staring at 7:30 am and ending at 9 am. The Kids Zone will entertain little ones from 9 am to 7:30 pm, while adults can enjoy the Main Stage Entertainment from 10 am to 8:15 pm. The NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden will serve guests at 11 am - 7 pm. The Pilot Meet & Greet will last from 2 to 3 pm, and the Mass Ascension Launch Window is from 4:30 to 6 pm, while the Evening Balloon Glow Window is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Sunday

The festival gates open at 7 am, followed by the Balloon Chasers 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:30 am. The Hot Air Balloon Competition Launch Window is from 7:30 to 9 am. The Kids Zone will be available for children from 9 am to 5 pm, while Main Stage Entertainment will run from 10 am to 6 pm. Guests will have a chance to try their favorite drinks at the NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The Pilot Meet & Greet will be from 2 to 3 pm, and the Mass Ascension Launch Window from 4:30 to 6 pm will end the festival.

Tickets

The price of the ticket depends on the festival day: Friday Adult Ticket (ages 13+) is $15, and Child Ticket (ages 7-12) is $10; Saturday Adult Ticket (ages 13+) is $25, and Saturday Child Ticket (ages 7-12) is $10; Sunday Adult Ticket (ages 13+) is $20, and Sunday Child Ticket (ages 7-12) is $10. Kids 6 ages and under do not need a pass for admission. Additionally, a Weekend Pass Admission is available for $50 for adults and $25 for children (ages 7-12).

Parking

Parking is included in the ticket price and is available at the Troutman Park & Ride at the Iredell County Fairgrounds, located at 630 N. Main St, Troutman, NC 28166. Free charter bus shuttle rides to and from the festival grounds are provided.

Carolina Balloon Fest History

The Carolina Balloon Fest is the second oldest balloon festival in the country and one of the most popular events in Iredell County and North Carolina. The festival was launched in 1974 by ballooning engineers Tracy Barnes and Bill Meadows.