Carolina BalloonFest

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Carolina BalloonFest

Mark your calendars! The 51st Carolina BalloonFest will take place from October 16-18, 2026! Over the recent five years, National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc.

Carolina BalloonFest, as a nonprofit and a festival, hosts an annual family-friendly event held during the third weekend in October. Bring your cameras, lawn chairs and blankets to experience our fun-filled weekend of outstanding entertainment, attractions, and activities while taking in the warm, autumn Carolina sun, between our morning and afternoon scheduled flights. Activities include:

Speci

al Shapes
3 Mass Ascensions
2 Hot Air Balloon Sanctioned Competitions
Friday & Saturday Evening Balloon Glow
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Tethered Balloon Rides
Pilot Meet & Greet
Wine & Craft Beer Garden
Main Stage Entertainment
Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course
Kids Zone & Stage
Walk In Balloon
Artisan Village & MarketPlace
Eat Street & Beer Tent

Our Mission...
To continue the heritage of hot air ballooning in Iredell County, spotlight the community of Statesville and donate a percentage of Carolina BalloonFest proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. has contributed over $787,000 to local nonprofits who volunteer many hours with us to host this tradition for thousands of spectators!

06/16/2026

For the dads who wake everyone up early for the balloon launch.
Carry the chairs.
Hold the snacks.
Take the photos.

And somehow still end up being part of the favorite memories 🎈

Happy Father’s Day from Carolina BalloonFest.

Here’s to the dads making memories that last long after the weekend is over.

https://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/

06/11/2026

Yes…hot air balloon pilots are licensed pilots 🎈

Flying a balloon takes far more than simply going up in the air. It requires training, precision, and a deep understanding of weather and wind conditions.

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes every time you see a balloon rise and that’s part of what makes it so impressive to experience in person.

See it all come to life this October at Carolina BalloonFest. Get your tickets: https://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/

06/10/2026

Headed to Carolina BalloonFest this October? 🎈

Here are a few things you’ll be glad you brought with you:
✔️ Comfortable walking shoes
✔️ A blanket or lawn chair
✔️ Layers for cooler morning and evening temperatures
✔️ Sunscreen + sunglasses
✔️ Your camera roll ready for photos you’ll want to keep forever

And most importantly—bring a little extra time to wander, explore, and take it all in. There’s a lot more to experience than just the balloons.

October 16-18, 2026

Get your tickets here: carolinaballoonfest.com

06/09/2026

🎈 From one ballooning community to another, congratulations to the Atlantic Explorer 2026 Flight Control team on their successful Atlantic Ocean crossing by hydrogen balloon! What began as a bold dream has become a historic achievement, inspiring balloon enthusiasts and adventurers around the world.

Join us in celebrating this incredible accomplishment by leaving a message of congratulations in the comments below!

06/05/2026

Carolina BalloonFest wishes the Atlantic Explorer 2026 Flight Control Balloon Team great success as they embark on their historic journey across the Atlantic Ocean!

The team is aiming to become the first group to successfully cross the Atlantic in an open basket, hydrogen balloon.

Join us in wishing them safe travels, favorable winds, and a successful flight. We'll be cheering them on every mile of the way!

06/02/2026

Wake up to hot air balloons rising over the Carolina sky 🎈

RV spots for Carolina BalloonFest are limited—and remaining spaces are going quickly.

There’s nothing quite like spending the full weekend immersed in the experience, from early morning ascensions to balloon glow and drone shows at night.

If RV camping has been on your mind, now’s the time to secure your spot for October 16–18.

Get tickets: https://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/tickets

05/28/2026

Wine + balloons = the perfect pairing 🍷🎈

The Wine Garden at Carolina BalloonFest is the perfect place to unwind, sip and sample a variety of wines, and take in the view.

Good wine, great company, and a sky full of balloons…what more could you ask for?

Get your ticket for the Carolina BalloonFest - October 16-18, 2026: https://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/

05/26/2026

Planning your day at Carolina BalloonFest? 🎈

Here’s what to bring for the best experience:
✔️ Lawn chairs or blankets
✔️ Comfortable shoes
✔️ Camera (you’ll want it)
✔️ Sunscreen + layers for the evening
✔️Good company

Come ready to relax, explore, and take it all in…from morning ascensions to the evening glow.

📅 October 16–18, 2026
Start planning now.

Get your tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

05/21/2026

Are you a sunrise person or a glow person? 🎈

🌅 Sunrise person
You’re up early, coffee in hand, watching balloons lift quietly into the morning sky.

🌙 Glow person
You stay for the magic—when the balloons light up the night and everything feels a little surreal.

Either way… it’s an experience you don’t forget.

📅 October 16–18, 2026
Which one are you? 👇
Get your tickets and experience it for yourself: carolinaballoonfest.com

05/19/2026

What is a Balloon Glow? 🎈✨

A balloon glow is one of the most magical moments of the festival.

As the sun sets, hot air balloons stay grounded and light up from within using their burners…glowing like giant lanterns against the night sky.

Set to music and shared with a crowd, it’s an experience you don’t just watch… you feel.

📅 October 16–18, 2026

Get your tickets today: carolinaballoonfest.com

Address

531 Old Airport Road
Statesville, NC
28677

Telephone

+17044956735

Website

http://www.CarolinaBalloonFest.com/

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