Texas hosts plenty of awesome hot-air balloon festivals every year to celebrate special occasions. These festivals aren’t just about stunning hot air balloons; they’re packed with tons of fun activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
You know what’s really cool? My brother popped the big question to me in a hot air balloon, so these festivals hold a super special spot in our hearts. He swears he’s never held anything as tight as that ring in his pocket while we floated up! Shoutout to the kind stranger who clicked the camera shutter when he surprised me with the proposal.
History of Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Texas
Hot air balloon festivals have been a big hit in Texas for ages. Did you know the very first one in Texas happened back in 1978 in Plano? Yep, it was called the Plano Balloon Festival and drew in over 5,000 visitors—talk about a massive turnout!
Since that awesome start, hot air balloon festivals have become a regular thing in loads of cities across Texas. These festivals are so cool, featuring balloon rides, exciting races, and stunning balloon glows. Oh, and those races? Pilots zoom through a set course, trying to be the fastest—it’s quite a sight!
And hey, speaking of sights, the balloon glows are magical! Imagine: balloons all lit up at night or in the early morning, making the sky look absolutely breathtaking.
But wait, there’s more! These festivals aren’t just about balloons. You’ll find live music, yummy food from vendors, and tons of family-friendly activities. Plus, many festivals even set up a carnival with rides and games, so there’s something fun for everyone!
Top Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Texas
Texas boasts some of the most stunning hot air balloon festivals in the whole country. Wanna know the top five? Here they are:
- Plano Balloon Festival
- Great Texas Balloon Race
- Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Bash
- Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort
- Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival in Canton
- Skylight Balloon Fest
- Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Paris Balloon & Music Festival
Plano Balloon Festival
I got some exciting news about the Plano Balloon Festival happening from September 21 to 24, 2024! It’s been going strong for 42 awesome years in Plano, Texas, and trust me, it’s a blast!
Imagine 30 stunning hot air balloons, live music rocking the scene, and oh-so-delicious food vendors all in one place! Plus, get ready for skydivers soaring through the sky and a fantastic fireworks show lighting up Friday and Saturday nights—talk about a spectacle!
And hey, kids won’t be left out! There’s a special zone just for them with cool inflatable rides (a small extra fee), fun obstacle courses, and artsy craft stations. They’ll have a blast, guaranteed!
But here’s the absolute highlight: those hot air balloons glowing in the dark! Catch them early in the morning and during the evenings. Trust me, that’s the cherry on top of this whole fantastic festival!
Great Texas Balloon Race
Get ready for an awesome event in Longview, Texas—it’s the Great Texas Balloon Race, happening from June 12 to 18, 2024! Fun fact: Longview got crowned “The Balloon Capital of Texas” by the Governor back in 1985, all because of this spectacular event.
This event is a big deal, drawing crowds from all over the country who come to see the vibrant hot air balloons painting the sky in amazing colours. And guess what? This year, it’s extra special! Longview is hosting the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship from June 12 to 18, with The Great Texas Balloon Race happening from June 16 to 18.
You won’t want to miss out on the stunning balloon flights, the lively tunes of live music, or the thrill of the Championship Competition Flight. Oh, and my personal favorite? The balloon glows in the late evening – they’re just magical!
But wait, there’s more! How about a Special Shapes inflation show and the Up & Away 5K race? Yep, it’s all happening here.
For history buffs, swing by the Gregg County Historical Museum. They’ve got a whole scoop on the history of The Great Texas Balloon Race, filled with fun facts and memorabilia from past festivals. It’s pretty neat!
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Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Bash
balloon enthusiasts! Get ready for something truly special—the redericksburg Hot Air Balloon Bash! This amazing event combines the posh elegance of polo, the refined taste of wine, and the exhilarating thrill of hot air balloon rides. It’s a total blast and a real favorite among both locals and visitors in the Hill Country.
Imagine yourself taking a ride in a tethered hot air balloon or soaring above the gorgeous Texas Hill Country in a helicopter for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view—it’s an experience you won’t forget! And hey, there’s more than just balloon rides—live music performances will keep the party vibes going strong. It’s a real celebration of fun and excitement!
Now, here’s the cool part: even if the balloons can’t inflate due to safety reasons, don’t worry! All balloon rides automatically get upgraded to helicopter rides. Yep, that’s right—you’re in for a treat either way!
Sure, there might not be a sky filled with hundreds of balloons, but the 2-4 balloons on site offer a chance for those amazing tethered rides. Trust me, it’s a unique and unforgettable way to experience the magic of hot air ballooning.
Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort
Get set for a fantastic time at Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort, happening from April 7 to 8, 2024, right in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country. This event is a total balloon extravaganza with all sorts of hot air balloons—big, small, and everything in between. Visitors can hop on for rides, witness amazing balloon glows, and dive into a load of other thrilling activities.
The festival goes down at the lavish Horseshoe Bay Resort, boasting breathtaking views of Lake LBJ and the stunning hills nearby. And guess what? You can grab accommodations and festival packages, snagging special VIP access to the coolest events.
Apart from the balloon fun, there’s a whole lot more to enjoy—we’re talking live music, yummy bites from food and drink vendors, and some pretty cool shows like parachute demonstrations and safari presentations. Oh, and don’t forget the kid’s zone—it’s a blast for the little ones!
But here’s the real showstopper—those balloon glows! Picture this: balloons lighting up the night sky in a dazzling array of colors and lights. It’s something you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival in Canton
Adventure seekers! You’ve got to mark your calendars for the Canton, Texas, Balloon Fest on July 7-8, 2024. Trust me, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Picture this: hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes soaring into the sky during the thrilling competition flights—it’s truly mesmerising.
Now, let’s talk about the food. Oh boy, you’re in for a treat! The festival offers a variety of scrumptious delights from different vendors that’ll satisfy any appetite. And when the sun goes down, get ready for the breathtaking glow ceremony that lights up the night sky. Psst, don’t skip the 5K Glow Run and the paint booth—they’re absolute must-dos!
But wait, there’s more to add to the excitement! How about some lively live music, a car show, and loads of opportunities for fantastic photo ops? Yep, this festival has it all—ensuring you capture those awesome memories while having an absolute blast!
Skylight Balloon Fest
Circle your calendars for the Skylight Balloon Fest happening on Saturday, the 29th, and Sunday, the 30th, in 2024. This hot air balloon festival in Texas is packed with excitement for everyone! Get ready for a whole bunch of activities tailored for visitors of all ages.
The festival’s highlight? Tethered balloon rides! It’s a fantastic way to soak in the festival vibes and the stunning views around.
And oh boy, you won’t want to miss those glow ceremonies—the sight of hot air balloons lighting up the night sky is simply magical. Got kids with you? There’s a petting zoo and a dedicated kid’s play area to keep them giggling and entertained.
Hold onto your hats because this festival offers more than just balloons! Get ready for some thrilling performances by acrobats and a mind-blowing skydiving show that’ll leave you stunned.
But wait, there’s more! The festival’s got you covered with live music and a fleet of food trucks offering delicious treats to amp up the great atmosphere. There are plenty of options for everyone’s taste buds!
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Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival
Families! Make sure to mark your calendars for the Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival! Happening on the 1st Saturday of September in 2024 (exact date to be determined), this festival is a total weekend of fun for everyone. Best part? General admission is absolutely free.
Prepare for a jam-packed event with entertainment galore for all ages. From a lively vendor market to a fantastic kids’ play area, and not to mention the groove-worthy live music, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and those tethered hot air balloon rides? They’re an extra treat but totally worth it.
And what’s a festival without some pie, right? Get ready for pie baking contests, pie eating showdowns, Pi Recitals, and an array of pie vendors offering both sweet and savory options. Plus, the celebration won’t cost you a penny—it’s completely free!
Speaking of excitement, picture this: stunning hot air balloons lighting up the sky on Friday and Saturday evenings, then gracefully floating over Kyle on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It’s a sight to behold! This festival cements Kyle’s reputation as the Pie Capital of Texas, and with so much happening, it’s no wonder!
Paris Balloon & Music Festival
Get ready for an amazing time at the Paris Balloon & Music Festival from September 8 to 10, 2024. This event is an absolute gem for families and friends to have a blast together.
The festival’s highlight? The breathtaking Balloon Glow ceremony at dusk. Picture this: hot air balloons lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors—it’s truly spectacular! And guess what? Live bands will be jamming, adding the perfect beats to the festival vibes.
But that’s not all! There’s more excitement with a live painting event, a lively cornhole tournament, and the opportunity for tethered balloon rides that give you a fantastic bird’s eye view of the festival, the surroundings, and even the iconic Eiffel Tower sporting a red cowboy hat!
Hungry? Don’t worry! There’ll be plenty of vendors and food trucks dishing out delicious eats and drinks to keep you fueled up. And hey, the Kidzone is the spot for the little ones to have a blast!
Here’s the kicker: the sunrise balloon launch is a breathtaking sight you absolutely cannot miss. Set those alarms early because this view is worth waking up for!
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Texas
So, at some hot air balloon festivals in Texas, they’ve got these tethered balloon rides, which are cool for adults and older kids to get a sneak peek into the fun!
But hey, for those who wanna go all out and catch the sunrise from up high, there’s nothing like a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Texas! It’s just epic, trust me.
So, if you’re looking to soar in the sky for a special occasion or just for the heck of it on your vacation, here are a few of our top picks for places to hop on a Texas hot air balloon ride:
| Balloon Company | Location |
| Austin Aeronauts | Austin |
| Balloon Adventures USA | Longview |
| Rohr Balloons | San Antonio |
Take your pick and get ready for a ride you won’t forget!
Up, Up, and Away: Magical Hot Air Balloon Rides in Texas
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with these hot air balloon ride providers in Texas. From Austin Aeronauts in Austin to Rohr Balloons in San Antonio, choose your preferred location for a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride. Elevate your experience and create lasting memories as you soar above the picturesque landscapes of the Lone Star State.
Beyond Balloons: Fun Galore at Texas Balloon Festivals
Discover the joy of hot air balloon festivals in Texas – it’s more than just balloons! Groove to Music: Enjoy live music that adds rhythm to the sky. Savor Delicious Bites: Indulge in delectable treats from food vendors. Thrilling Activities: From parachute demonstrations to 5K runs, there’s something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the festivities that make each balloon festival a unique and exciting celebration.
FAQs
Where is the most famous hot air balloon festival?
The most famous hot-air balloon festival is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What is the balloon capital of Texas?
The city of Plano is often considered the balloon capital of Texas due to its popular Plano Balloon Festival held each year.
How much does it cost to go to the Plano Balloon Festival?
Ticket prices for the Plano Balloon Festival vary, but general admission for adults typically ranges from $5 to $10, while children under 36 inches tall often enter for free.
How much does a hot air balloon ride cost in Texas?
The cost of a hot air balloon ride in Texas varies based on factors like duration and location. On average, prices can range from $150 to $300 per person for a standard one-hour ride.
Final Thoughts
Discover the thrill of hot-air balloon festivals in Texas, home to some of the country’s most stunning events. From the iconic Plano Balloon Festival with its mesmerizing balloon glows to the prestigious Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview, each festival promises a unique blend of entertainment.
Dive into the elegance of the Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Bash, where balloon rides come with a touch of polo and wine. Don’t miss the vibrant Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort or the exhilarating Tailwind Regional Balloon Festival in Canton. Plan your adventure and make memories at these top hot air balloon festivals in Texas.
Nicholas Clark, your Texan Local Insights Guru at “Texan Guides Online,” welcomes you to the diverse landscapes of Texas. Join me for insider tips on the best local eats, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Let’s make your Texan journey extraordinary!
