Many regional hot air balloon festival occur each year during the summer. Many show off many types of beautiful hot air balloons to spectators with a variety of entertainment. Festivals occur in states from New York in the east to New Mexico in the West.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
It all started back in 1972. Thirteen balloons gathered at a small hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, at the first annual balloon fiesta. Who could have known that it would grow into the now world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Now, each year, hundreds of thousands of hot air enthusiasts from all corners of the globe come together in the first week of October to this beautiful city in New Mexico. For nine days they celebrate and enjoy the oldest aviation sport in the world: Ballooning.
The colors, the majesty, the smell of roasted chilies in the air, is enough to excite kids of all ages. From the Dawn Patrol, balloons that fly from dark till first light, to the mass ascension of hundreds of beautiful, creative, and some humorous, balloons that lift off around 7am on the weekends.
It takes place in 365 acre Balloon Fiesta Park, with the launch field being 78 of those acres! This is the largest, international, annually held event in the United States, along with being the most photographed in the world! Not bad for an event that started in a shopping mall parking lot.
Enjoy the show as you stroll along the field, getting up close and personal to the action. Yes, this is one of the only balloon events where you can walk among the balloons and speak to the pilots themselves. Feel the smile plastered on your face as you take part in the spectacular beauty that surrounds you.
This year the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta organizers would like to see your fan videos that reflect the sights, sounds, and feelings of this magical event. Fiesta Facebook fans will cast their votes on their favorite.
This is a four-day festival that is held over Lake George in Glen Falls, New York from September 20 to 23. The festival includes live music, balloon flights, and a variety of entertainment. 90 or more balloons participate in this festival and the event begins by offering attendees a Big Balloon Breakfast. There are vendors and civic organizations that offer a variety of food options to purchase throughout the day.
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
This event is held over Memorial Day weekend each year in Decatur. There are over 60 pilots featured at this annual event that compete in a hot air balloon race. Tethered balloon rides and regular flights are available until dusk for attendees. Each night features a Balloon Glow event after the Tractor Parade. A tractor pull and demonstrations also take place during the day. Spectators will be treated to fireworks at the end of the festival.
This event is held each year in Indianola, Iowa at the end of July through early August. The pilots start launching balloons at beginning at 6:30 am each morning. Balloon rides for attendees are available up to 6:30 pm.
