Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest 2024 in Tennessee

The Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest is an annual ballooning event, which takes place in Dandridge, Tennessee, every October. The festival features about 15 hot air balloons and plenty of entertainment.

Events and Activities

Visitors can take tethered and balloon rides. In addition to balloons, there's an antique tractor show, kids fair, craft and artisan fair, wine and beer garden, food court, and kids' fair with inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, and fair games.

Live music at Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest is performed on the stage at the Nine Lakes Wine Garden. Guests of the festival can also opt for an “Elevated Experience” VIP ticket with tented seating, catered farm-to-table fare, wine tastings, and the best balloon viewing.

Hot-Air Balloon Rides

The festival offers both tethered and untethered rides, so visitors can enjoy the one they choose. Tethered rides cost $20 per person, cash only. The untethered rides cost $35 per person. This 40-60 minute-ride should be reserved in advance only.

Morning Ascension Breakfast

Festival visitors 21 and older can enjoy hot-air ballon display over the Smoky Mountains and eat lavish breakfast, features mimosas made with local Tennessee wine during the sunrise. Delicious event takes place from 7 am to 10 am and costs $30 per person.

VIP Elevated Experience

To experience the Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest with more comfort and coziness, visitors can use special offer, which features luxury tented seating with tables, chairs, the best view on the field, and catering. Elevated Experience includes general admission tickets for both festival days, a tethered balloon ride, VIP parking close to the tent, VIP tented seating, tables, & chairs, commemorative wine glass, premier wine tasting from local wineries, catered buffet meal, optimal viewing of the balloon activities. The Elevated Experience Pass costs $150 or $125, depending on the chosen date, until October 26, 2024, when sales will end.

Tickets

A 1-Day Adult Ticket for Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest costs $14.64, and a 1-Day Youth Ticket (ages 3-17) is $10.38 (discounted pre-sale ends on September 30). A 2-Day Adult Ticket is $23.18, and a 2-Day Youth Ticket is $12.51 (discounted pre-sale ends on September 30). 1-Day and 2-Day Family Packs (2 adults + 4 youth) is also available for purchase.

Location

The beautiful balloons launch area of the festival is located between two lakes in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's known for its picture-perfect fall foliage views as well as plenty of historical landmarks and an excellent restaurant scene. Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest was founded by Jefferson County Festival Charities in January 2020.