U.S. Balloon Festivals That WIll Make Fall Travel Feel Magical

There’s something unexpectedly awesome about standing under a sky filled with giant balloons drifting like slow-motion dreams. It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause, look up, and forget whatever was on your mind five minutes ago. Fall is the perfect time to catch that feeling.

Fields of Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival – Council Bluffs, Iowa

This laid-back Midwest festival takes place at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, where visitors can pick fruit, sip local wine, and enjoy live music as hot air balloons take to the sky. Evening balloon glows light up the orchard and create a calm, dreamy setting that's perfect for slowing down.

Great Reno Balloon Race – Reno, Nevada

At Rancho San Rafael Park, hundreds gather before dawn to see balloons light up the desert sky in a synchronized glow. Select pilots launch early in near-total darkness during the Dawn Patrol, and later, a colorful sea of balloons fills the air. Visitors can explore vendor booths and interact with flight crews on the field.

Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch – Rapid City, South Dakota

This event, held inside a bowl-shaped canyon in the Black Hills, honors a 1935 high-altitude launch that reached the stratosphere. Though the launch site is private, hikers who climb the Stratobowl Rim Trail can witness balloons rising from a dramatic natural amphitheater just after sunrise.

ALCOVETS Balloon Festival – Burlington, North Carolina

Held by the Alamance County Veterans Association, this festival's proceeds support discharged military personnel. Guests can enjoy the sight of tethered balloons, catch a concert, or explore classic cars and motorcycles on display nearby.

Paris Balloon & Music Festival – Paris, Texas

This Texas event leans into its small-town charm with balloon glows that resemble floating lanterns and live painting contests happening just a few feet away. Helicopter rides and carnival-style attractions add energy throughout the day, and local musicians keep the vibe casual well into the evening.

Snowmass Balloon Festival – Snowmass Village, Colorado

This event, held in a high-altitude valley near Aspen, invites spectators to follow balloon launches by hiking or biking up nearby trails. The crisp mountain air and sweeping views elevate the whole experience. At night, glowing balloons reflect off the ground while food trucks keep everyone well fed.

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival – Slatington, Pennsylvania

At this festival, the Lehigh Valley transforms into a glowing Halloween canvas, where laser lights ripple across inflated balloons. Nights include fireworks and DJ sets that stretch into the evening.

Adirondack Balloon Festival – Queensbury, New York

Thousands of spectators converge in the Glens Falls area for one of the longest-running balloon events in the Northeast. Mass ascensions take place at dawn, while parades, torch shows, and special-shaped balloons appear throughout the weekend.

Ravenna Balloon-A-Fair – Ravenna, Ohio

This festival pays tribute to Ravenna’s past as a balloon manufacturing hub with a town-wide celebration that includes music, amusement rides, and community breakfasts. On a nearby farm, balloons lift off from wide-open fields as crowds gather to enjoy the view and the nostalgic atmosphere.

Balloons Over Bay Harbor – Bay Harbor, Michigan

At this coastal Michigan event, reflections on Little Traverse Bay amplify the visual impact of each lift-off. Visitors can stroll through the marina as balloons rise behind the docks. On the ground, pilot meet-and-greets and a community fun run provide casual ways to get involved.

Great Forest Park Balloon Race – St. Louis, Missouri

One of the oldest balloon races in the country, this St. Louis tradition draws spectators into Forest Park for a unique pursuit called the “Hare and Hound.” A lead balloon sets the course, and others try to follow its path and hit a designated landing zone.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico

With more than 500 balloons and a history that spans over five decades, this is the most famous balloon event in the world. The Fiesta includes shape-themed displays, cultural exhibits, and mass ascensions that fill the Rio Grande Valley with floating characters and vivid patterns.

Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest – Dandridge, Tennessee

This fall event includes hot air balloon rides, pilot trading card meetups that draw in kids and collectors alike, and views of the Smoky Mountains. Adults can explore a wine garden stocked with Tennessee-made vintages while watching the balloons drift over open farmland.

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival – Scottsdale, Arizona

This Halloween-centered event turns balloons into interactive trick-or-treat stops for costumed kids and families. There’s no full ascent, but the glowing balloons, bounce houses, and haunted trail attractions help create a carnival-like mood with just enough seasonal scare.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival – Temecula, California

During this scenic gathering in wine country, hot air balloons float above the vineyards of Southern California. Morning and sunset launches bookend a lineup that includes wine tastings, chef demos, and full concert stages with national acts. The blend of flavors and flight draws large crowds year after year.