Hot air balloon festivals across the country draw thousands of visitors who want to watch dozens of giant balloons flying against scenic backdrops. If you missed the early August events, don’t worry — some of the year’s best festivals are still to come.
Here’s your guide to the most anticipated hot air balloon events happening after August 12, 2025 — with all the key details, ticket prices, and tips to make the most of your trip.
Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival – Townsend, Tennessee
Date: August 16, 2025
Nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this festival combines mountain views with the magic of hot air balloons.
Visitors can expect a mix of daytime flights and the enchanting night glow, when balloons light up the dark sky like floating lanterns. Alongside the main event, there are food trucks, craft vendors, live music, and children’s activities.
Ticket Prices:
- Adult general admission: $10 in advance / $15 on event day
- Parking: $20
- Tethered balloon ride: $25
Pro Tip: Arrive well before sunset to secure a parking spot and grab a front-row seat for the night glow.
Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival – Plainville, Connecticut
Dates: August 22–23, 2025
This community-run event is one of the Northeast’s most beloved summer traditions. Organized by the Plainville Fire Company, the festival features evening balloon glows, live entertainment, craft vendors, and fireworks. The best part? Entry is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly summer outing.
Ticket Prices:
- Admission: Free
- Tethered rides: $30 (cash only, on-site)
Pro Tip: Bring cash if you want a tethered ride — there are no online payments, and ATM lines can be long during peak hours.
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest – Presque Isle, Maine
Dates: August 22–24, 2025
If you’re looking for wide-open skies and fewer crowds, this northern Maine festival delivers. Presque Isle’s rural charm and crisp late-summer air make it perfect for balloon flights. Expect sunrise launches, farmers markets, craft fairs, and family games spread across the weekend.
Ticket Prices: Free admission
Pro Tip: Accommodations in Presque Isle are limited, so book early — or consider staying in nearby Caribou or Fort Fairfield for a quieter experience.
Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival – Union Vale, New York
Dates: August 29–31, 2025
One of the biggest late-summer balloon festivals in the Northeast, Hudson Valley offers a mix of morning and evening launches, giving visitors two chances a day to see the skies filled with color.
The festival also features artisan markets, live music, food trucks, and wine tastings. For thrill-seekers, full hot air balloon flights are available.
Ticket Prices:
- Afternoon/evening admission: $23.95
- Morning admission: $13.95
- Weekend all-access pass: $37.95
- Tethered ride: $30
- Full flight: $350
Pro Tip: Morning flights often have calmer winds and clearer skies — perfect for a smooth ride and unbeatable views of the Hudson Valley.
Already Wrapped Up: Early August Balloon Events
If you were hoping to catch the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa, or the Suncook Valley Rotary’s Hot Air Balloon Rally Weekend in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, you’ll have to wait until next year — both wrapped up earlier this month.
Final Thoughts
From the Smoky Mountains to the Hudson Valley, late August 2025 is packed with opportunities to see — or even ride in — a hot air balloon.
Read More: Last August Agricultural Fairs USA 2025
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