Hot Air Balloon Festivals for a Cause
While many hot air balloon festivals are organized for entertainment and tourism, some go beyond the spectacle of colorful balloons filling the sky—they serve as powerful fundraising events for local charities, nonprofits, and community initiatives. These festivals often donate proceeds to causes such as children’s hospitals, education programs, veterans’ services, and community development projects.
Whether through ticket sales, special charity balloon rides, or sponsorships, these events bring people together not just for breathtaking views but also to make a meaningful impact. This page will shine a spotlight on these incredible festivals, highlighting the ones that give back to their communities and support important causes. If you want to attend a festival that makes a difference, explore our list of hot-air balloon events that directly support charitable organizations and community efforts.
The Adirondack Balloon Festival (Queensbury, New York)
One of the largest and oldest balloon festivals on the East Coast, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is a nonprofit event that supports numerous charities in the region. Run entirely by volunteers, the festival raises funds for local organizations through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and donations. Best of all, it remains a free event, encouraging accessibility for all while generating significant charitable contributions.
The Great Texas Balloon Race (Longview, Texas)
The Great Texas Balloon Race is a premier event that supports various local charities, including education scholarships and community programs. This long-running festival not only showcases competitive balloon races but also features live music, family-friendly activities, and a commitment to giving back to the Longview community.
The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic (Decatur, Alabama)
This Memorial Day weekend festival not only honors the spirit of flight but also contributes to various charitable efforts. Portions of the proceeds help local veterans’ organizations and community development initiatives. Attendees can enjoy balloon races, night glows, and musical performances, knowing that their participation supports meaningful causes.
Balloons Over Bay Harbor (Bay Harbor, Michigan)
This scenic Michigan festival is dedicated to raising funds for the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, which provides critical health services to underserved communities. Balloon pilots from across the country participate in this annual event, which raises awareness of the importance of accessible healthcare while providing a stunning visual display over Lake Michigan.
Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair (Lake Havasu City, Arizona)
Hosted by the local Rotary, Lions, and other community organizations, this festival raises money for charities focused on children’s health, education, and senior services. In addition to hot air balloons, the festival features a carnival, a classic car show, and live entertainment, making it a fun-filled way to support great causes.
Would you like to expand on any of these or include more details on how each event supports its causes? Let me know how I can refine your blog post further!
Carolina BalloonFest (Statesville, North Carolina)
Carolina BalloonFest is a nonprofit event that benefits numerous charities, including the National Balloon Rally Charities. Proceeds from the event go toward local organizations supporting cancer patients, children’s hospitals, and veterans. Attendees can enjoy mass ascensions, wine and craft beer tastings, and live entertainment while giving back to the community.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Balloon Rides for Charity (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
While the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is primarily known for being the largest balloon festival in the world, certain balloon rides and events benefit various charities, including children’s hospitals and educational programs. Many balloon pilots also participate in fundraising initiatives, supporting causes from veteran services to environmental conservation.
All-Ohio Balloon Festival (Marysville, Ohio)
As the longest-running balloon festival in the United States, this event benefits different charities every year. It features hot air balloon showcases, rides, live music, and activities for kids, with proceeds supporting various charitable organizations in the community.
These festivals offer spectacular visual experiences and play significant roles in supporting charitable causes and enriching their communities.
Great Pershing Balloon Derby (Brookfield, Missouri)
Recognized as the longest-running continually sanctioned ballooning event in the U.S., this derby serves as a fundraiser for the Pershing Museum and other local initiatives. The event includes balloon launches, night glows, and various community activities, with proceeds supporting historical preservation and community development
Festival of Balloons (Tigard, Oregon)
The Festival of Balloons is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds for many non-profit groups in Tigard while providing a premier family event for the community. Following the 2024 festival, approximately $40,000 was raised by groups such as the Tigard Breakfast Rotary Club, Tigard High School Athletic Boosters, and Meals on Wheels.
Wayland BalloonFest (Wayland, Michigan)
This two-day event includes a Kids’ Carnival, Car Show, Vendor Event, Live Music, Balloon Flights, and Balloon Glow. A notable feature is the Memorial Walk, introduced to remember those lost too soon. Funds raised support community members who have experienced loss or need assistance obtaining care.
Old West Balloon Fest (Scottsbluff, Nebraska)
This Nebraska-based balloon festival supports scholarships for local students and community development projects. The event includes competitive ballooning, a parade, and educational programs about ballooning history and science, all while fundraising for future generations.
Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair (Lake Havasu City, Arizona)
Hosted by the local Rotary, Lions, and other community organizations, this festival raises money for charities focused on children’s health, education, and senior services. In addition to hot air balloons, the festival features a carnival, classic car show, and live entertainment, making it a fun-filled way to support great causes.
Plano Balloon Festival (Plano, Texas)
Organized by the Plano Balloon Festival Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, this event is dedicated to educating attendees about hot air ballooning and producing a family-oriented festival. It offers local non-profits opportunities to assist in festival operations, allowing them to raise funds and awareness for their programs and services, thereby enhancing the quality of life in the community.