Texas's 7 Unforgettable Hot air Balloon Festivals in 2024
As the Lone Star State embraces the vibrant colors of spring, a unique spectacle takes to the skies, captivating hearts and imaginations alike. Hot air balloon festivals in Texas are not just events; they’re experiences that elevate the spirit and celebrate the beauty of flight. In 2024, these festivals continue to enchant locals and tourists, offering a mesmerizing blend of adventure, entertainment, and breathtaking vistas.
March 29th - April 1st, 2024 See you again in 2025
Horseshoe Bay Resort, 200 Hi circle N, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
The Horseshoe Bay Resort’s annual Balloon Festival is a delightful visual spectacle for families in the Texas Hill Country. Over 20 vibrant balloons take flight, accompanied by local wine vendors, artisans, and entertainers. The festival offers a packed schedule of awe-inspiring moments throughout the weekend, from balloon ascensions to mesmerizing glows. For resort guests and club members, the festivities extend with an Easter egg hunt on Easter morning. The festival is especially kid-friendly, featuring Easter egg drops, animal shows with a safari theme, an inflatable play zone, and even a rock climbing wall.
Located west of Austin, the scenic Horseshoe Bay Resort hosts this special treat amidst the rolling hills: concerts, cookouts, arts and crafts, and more round out the weekend’s offerings. Book your Balloon Festival package and plan to stay for an unforgettable experience.
Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival
May 4th, 2024
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the most popular hot air balloon events in Texas. It’s held multiple times a year in the picturesque town of Fredericksburg. Enjoy local wines, live music, tasty food, a polo match, and of course, Texas hot air balloons soaring overhead. It’s a fantastic way to experience the town’s beauty and charm.
Hopkins County Dairy Festival
June 7th - June 8th , 2024
Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County, TX, 75482
In the early 2000s, the Dairy Festival was on the verge of ending due to a lack of attractions to draw people in. Seeking new ways to revive the event, the Dairy Festival board developed the Hot Air Balloon Rally idea. David and Pam Black took over the organization of the rally and have been running it ever since. Carolyn McKinney, a Dairy Festival Board Member, expressed her love for the event, saying, “I love all of the Dairy Festival. Going up in the balloon is so calm and just so nice. There’s nothing quite like it.” Several balloonists from Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico have made Sulphur Springs one of their go-to destinations and have developed a fondness for the Hopkins County event. Balloonists worldwide, even national and international champions, come to Sulphur Springs because they “enjoy being here,” according to event organizer David Black. The Hopkins County Dairy Air’s Balloon Rally is an invite-only event, and invitations are highly sought after in the hot air balloon community. According to Dr. Black, what makes the event so unique for these balloonists is not the prestige but the welcoming nature of the community. Dr. Black noted that when the balloons land in local pastures, the owners are happy to have them. He pointed out that one year, the kids in the surrounding neighborhood came to see the landed balloon and were all given tethered rides by the balloonist, spending most of the afternoon with the neighborhood’s people. The Hot Air Balloon Rally hosts over 30 hot air balloons of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Each balloon requires four crew members, making volunteers essential and needed. Another crucial aspect of making this event happen is propane, which Charles Askews at The Propane Company donates every year to ensure the beautiful balloons can fly. Looking towards the event’s future, the Blacks hope to bring in vendors, food, and music to involve the community further. This year, there will be live music.
Great Texas Balloon Race
June 10th - June 16th, 2024
Longview Convention Complex, 1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview, TX 75606
The Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview is rounding out the season, an event that has captivated audiences for over four decades. Held at the East Texas Regional Airport, this renowned festival showcases the skill and artistry of balloon pilots nationwide. Spectators can witness thrilling balloon races, participate in balloon glows, and even take to the skies with tethered balloon rides. In addition to the main events, the festival features live music, various food vendors, and a vibrant marketplace, making it a highlight of the summer calendar in East Texas.
Paris Balloon & Music Festival
September 13th - September 14th, 2024
Lamar County Fairgrounds, 570 East Center St., Paris TX, 75460
The Paris Balloon and Music Festival at the Lamar County Fairgrounds in Paris, TX promises an exciting weekend for families. Like other festivals, it features morning hot air balloon races and evening entertainment. However, you can also sign up on their website to volunteer and help inflate the balloons for a hands-on experience. This family-friendly event has plenty to offer:
• Hot air balloon launches on Saturday and Sunday mornings (weather permitting) • Balloon glows on Friday and Saturday nights at dusk (weather permitting) • Live music on the main stage • A carnival and kids’ fun zone • A marketplace with various vendors • Food trucks serving delicious local fare • Endless fun for the whole family! (No alcohol served)
The Paris Balloon and Music Association takes pride in organizing this exciting festival packed with activities for all ages.
Plano Balloon Festival
September 19th - September22nd, 2024
Oak Point Park, 2801E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano TX 75074
In the heart of North Texas, the Plano Balloon Festival paints the sky with various colors and shapes, creating a visual feast for attendees. Now in its 45th year, this beloved event has become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike. Against the picturesque backdrop of Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, spectators can marvel at the sight of hot air balloons gracefully ascending into the heavens. Beyond the balloons, the festival features live music, delicious food vendors, arts and crafts, and a spectacular fireworks show, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
Skylight Balloon Fest
September 27th - September 28th, 2024
Real Life Center, 16765 Lookout Rd., Selma, TX 78154
The RE/MAX Skylight Balloon Fest features dozens of local vendors, food trucks, live concerts, a Family Fun Zone, acrobatic shows, and, of course, hot air balloons! From morning launches to evening glows to tethered balloon rides, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Experience a tethered balloon ride, watch morning competitions, or witness the fantastic balloon glow at night. Saturday morning starts with a mass balloon launch, where you can see how balloons get inflated, take off, and land on the field.
Additionally, four live concerts, food trucks, jelly ball, games at vendor booths, acrobatic shows, a Family Fun Zone, and a Jumbo Interactive Area Petting Zoo with 20 varieties of animals await you. The Family Fun Zone offers laser tag, amusement rides, inflatables, and fun for all ages. Play All Day wristbands are available for $10. Vendors include local artisans and businesses offering their unique handmade items. Tethered balloon rides, balloon launches, and balloon glows depend on weather conditions. High winds over 8 mph and low cloud cover pose safety risks for pilots and guests alike. The event does not allow coolers, alcohol, tents, or pets (except service animals). Seating is limited, so feel free to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the festivities comfortably.
Tailwind Regional Balloon Fest
2023 was the last year of the Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival.
Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, participants, and everyone else. Stay tuned for more non-balloon events in the future.
In 2024, hot air balloon festivals in Texas continue to mesmerize and delight, offering a captivating blend of adventure, entertainment, and natural beauty. From the wide-open plains of West Texas to the picturesque Gulf Coast, these festivals invite attendees to experience the joy of flight and the magic of community. Whether you’re a seasoned balloon enthusiast or a first-time visitor, these festivals promise an unforgettable journey through the skies of the Lone Star State. So mark your calendars, pack your sense of wonder, and prepare to soar high at Texas’ enchanting hot air balloon festivals in 2024.
Looking for hot air balloon festivals happening in your state in 2024? Check out our guide to find exciting events near you. Get ready to soar high and experience the thrill of these colorful celebrations in the sky. Visit http://hotairballoonfestivals.net
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