Carolina BalloonFest
- When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Location: Statesville Regional Airport 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville,, NC, 28677
- Cost: Starting at $16.95
The Carolina Balloon Fest is proud to announce this year’s official festival on October 16-18, 2026!
Join us for a three-day weekend of family-fun featuring:
Special Shapes
Mass Ascensions
Friday & Saturday Evening Balloon Glow
Drone Show
Hot Air Balloon Competitions
Live Entertainment on the Main Stage
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Tethered Balloon Rides
Wine Garden
Kids Zone
Walk In Balloon
Pilot Meet & Greet
Artisan Village & MarketPlace
Eat Street
… all occurring within the presence of a cozy, Carolina autumn.
Don’t forget to bring your cameras, lawn chairs and blankets to take in the full experience of our fun-filled weekend. Plan on coming early and staying late! Tickets available now!
- Website: www.carolinaballoonfest.com
- Category: Family Fun
Sunday, October 18th, 2026
6:30AM Gate Open
7:30AM-9AM Hot Air Balloon Competition Launch Window
(Hot Air Balloons fly over Festival Grounds performing aspects of a pre-determined competition. The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. )
9AM-5PM Kids Zone
Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!
*inflatables & walk-in balloon are weather-dependent
10AM-6PM Entertainment Schedule
10AM-5PM Wine Garden
11AM Dare Devil Dog Show
2PM-3PM Pilot Meet & Greet
Meet our pilots! To see if any rides or available, to ask questions, or if you're just curious, meet & greet some of our pilots in the launch field.
2PM Dare Devil Dog Show
4:30PM-6PM:Mass Ascension Launch Window
(Hot Air Balloons Fly Out of the Festival Grounds. The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns.)
6PM Gates Close
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