Carolina BalloonFest 2024

Carolina BalloonFest 2024 

October 18-20, 2024

Carolina BalloonFest
260 Hangar Dr.
Statesville, NC 28677

Tickets: $20 plus (adult) $10 (children 7-12) Free (6 and under)

Carolina BalloonFest returns to Statesville, North Carolina this weekend for the 49th year. The second-oldest hot air balloon festival in the country, the event is held annually on the third weekend in October. Each year, thousands bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy early morning and late afternoon balloon launches under the Carolina blue skies. The festival also features live music on the main stage, tethered balloon rides, an artisan village, kids’ zone, and a local wine and craft beer garden. Festival food vendors this year include Bushcraft BBQ, Cousins Main Lobster, Craven Kettle Corn, Donut I Love U, Funnel Cakes by Pam, Gus’ Greek Foods, Scream Ice Cream, and more.

Carolina BalloonFest Schedule:

Friday, October 18

3:00 p.m. – Gates Open
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Kids Zone
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden
3:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. – Main Stage Entertainment
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Mass Ascension Launch Window (Hot Air Balloons fly out)
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Evening Balloon Glow Window​ (Hot Air Balloons return and glow at dusk)
8:30 p.m. – Gates Close

Saturday, October 19

7:00 a.m. – Gates Open
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Hot Air Balloon Competition
9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Kids Zone
10:00 a.m. – 8:15 p.m. – Main Stage Entertainment
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Wine & Craft Beer Garden
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Pilot Meet & Greet
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Mass Ascension
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Evening Balloon Glow
8:30 p.m. – Gates Close

Sunday, October 20

7:00 a.m. – Gates Open
7:30 a.m. – Balloon Chasers 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Hot Air Balloon Competition
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Kids Zone
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Main Stage Entertainment
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Wine & Craft Beer Garden
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Pilot Meet & Greet
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Mass Ascension
6:00 p.m. – Gates Close

Interested in booking a ride on a hot air balloon? Check our more info on the food vendors, kids’ zone, entertainment schedule, and parking.

Free parking is available at the Iredell County Fairgrounds (630 N. Main St. in Troutman, NC), with shuttle rides to and from the festival. You can also purchase a parking pass here.

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