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. There is also live music, wine and craft beer tasting, an artisan village, crafts marketplace, and food vendors. 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. The main highlight of the festival are the balloon ascensions, fly-overs, 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.
