The annual Lancaster Balloon Festival takes place every year in mid-September. Don't miss this opportunity to fly away, surrounded by colorful balloons of all shapes, and enjoy a bird's-eye view on the rolling hills of Lancaster county's countryside. Surrounded by beautiful nature and Amish farms, Lancaster county is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the U.S. The picturesque farmland attracts many visitors wishing to experience a relaxing way of life in southern Pennsylvania.
The main highlights of Lancaster Balloon Festival's program are mass ascension, and balloon flights, which take place at 6:30 am and 6: 30 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival. The fantastic sight of dozens of colorful balloons taking off during sunrise and sunset will stay in your memories for a long time. You can also fly in one of the balloons for 30 or 60 minutes, enjoying grand views of farmland, Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, and Strasburg. Balloon rides and tethered rides are available in the morning and afternoon Friday through Sunday. Balloon rides have to be booked in advance. Prices start at $400.
On the ground, visitors can enjoy exciting Hare & Hound Races, when a flying balloon drops a marker right before landing, and the following balloons have to “race” to land the closest near the marker.
Mass Hot Air Balloon Glow is another highly anticipated event in the festival's schedule, which starts at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday. A spectacular show features dozens of balloons illuminating the dark sky with their amazing glow. Other entertainment includes buggy rides in an authentic Amish buggy, performances, and live music from local artists, like Garret Shultz, Tyler Short, Bobby Law, and the Trey Alexander Band. Kids can enjoy bouncy castles, and there's plenty of food from Bird-in-Hand Restaurant and a variety of food trucks. After the balloon glow, there's usually a fireworks display at 9 pm to end your busy day at the festival with a big bang.
