Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship Races

09/17/2026

Meet your 2026 Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Champion Jason Jones with the ReMax Balloon! Jason, grew up in Indianola Iowa. Indianola was the home of the US National Hot Air Balloon Championships for 18 years. His family got started helping organize the national championship. In the mid 70s, his mother got a hot air balloon ride and someone in his family has been flying hot air balloons ever since. Jason got his license in 1992. Jason’s family includes his wife Kim, and three children two of which have chosen to become balloon pilots. Three generations of balloonists in the Jones family is something we are very proud of. Jason currently lives in Overland Park, Kansas.

09/13/2026

Cancelled! Due to high winds we are terribly sorry that we are unable to fly balloons today 😞😞😞

09/10/2026

Tomorrow’s the big day! Keep an eye in the sky Harrison!

09/08/2026

Balloons anyone?!?! How about some live music? Friday night we have Wesley Allen & the Modern August and Saturday night we have Heavy Wrecker! Come join us this weekend for balloons, vendors, and incredible FREE live music! Thank you to Gaither Mountain Towing for being our stage sponsor!

09/04/2026

We are only 7 days away from the Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship Races! Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

09/04/2026

We still have a need for Balloon Crew volunteers Saturday and Sunday morning. You get to be a part of the crew that helps a pilot setup and compete. You are a part of the team! Contact our office at 870-741-1789 for more details. Link to volunteer: https://harrisoncvb.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=117018

08/31/2026

Make plans to join us for a record breaking event with more balloons than we’ve ever had before! www.arkansasballoonfestival.com September 11-13

08/21/2026

🎈 THE SKY OVER HARRISON IS ABOUT TO COME ALIVE! 🎈

The 31st Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship returns September 11–13, 2026—and this is one weekend you don’t want to miss!

🌅 Competition balloon flights
🔥 Incredible balloon glows
🎈 Tethered balloon rides
🎶 Live music and entertainment
🐐 Petting zoo
🏰 Kids Zone
🍔 Food and retail vendors
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for the entire family!

📍 Anstaff Soccer Complex
202 Old Stonewall Road | Harrison, Arkansas

Grab your family, tag your balloon crew and get ready for three unforgettable days of color, excitement and fun!

Full schedule and event information:
🌐 ArkansasBalloonFestival.com

Balloon activities are weather permitting.

08/19/2026

VIP Tethered Ride Passes back by popular demand! Want to show up and ride a balloon without the line? We will have 25 VIP Tethered Ride Experiences per day! These are the ONLY advance tethered rides you may purchase. Contact our office for more information 870-741-1789 or click here to purchase today! https://exploreharrison.com/attractions/arkansas-hot-air-balloon-state-championship/tethered-balloon-rides/

08/18/2026

You still have an opportunity to join us as a balloon crew!!! Come join us!

There's still volunteer opportunities open! Join us for the 31st Annual Arkansas Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship Races September 11-13. Volunteer for 2 shifts and get a free t-shirt! https://harrisoncvb.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=117018