Hot Air Affair is the annual hot air balloon festival, which is held in the beautiful town of Williamston in Anderson County, South Carolina. Williamson is located right off Interstate 85, between Atlanta and Charlotte. Taking place during Labor Day weekend, the festival benefits the Cancer Association of Anderson, the only local cancer charity in Anderson County.
Hot Air Affair features over 20 hot air balloons. Highlights of the festival include mass ascensions, tethered rides, and a spectacular night balloon glow. In addition, attendees can enjoy food, vendors, and a kids' zone with various fun activities. The festival is free for the public to attend.
The three-day festival runs from 5 pm to 11 pm on Friday. The balloon launch at dusk is followed by tethered rides and an amazing balloon glow. A live music concert sums up the day at the Anderson Sports & Entertainment and Balloon Launch Field. On Saturday, it starts with a lift-off at sunrise, and Sunday also begins with a morning flight. All flights are weather-permitting.
Other highlights include a jeep rally, a kids' zone, food trucks, merchandise vendors, a laser show, and the fireworks finale, which starts at 9:30 on Sunday. On the last day of the festival, the pilots gather for a memorial flight at 7 am.
