The Carolina BalloonFest began 47 years ago near Love Valley, North Carolina. As the festival grew in popularity, it moved to its current home at Statesville Regional Airport. The nonprofit organization was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1988, and the festival is held annually on the third weekend of October. We drove to Statesville on October 17, 2022, for my first experience at this colorful and exciting event.

Advance adult tickets for Saturday were $20, while children were admitted free. Free parking was available at the Iredell County Fairgrounds, where visitors could catch a shuttle to and from the festival. Saturday’s attendance reached capacity, however, and the return shuttle line was more than an hour long. In hindsight, paying for VIP parking might have been worth it to avoid the long wait.

There was plenty to see and do beyond the balloons. Visitors could take a hot air balloon flight for $325 or experience a tethered balloon ride for $10. The 2022 festival also featured live music, skydiving exhibitions, an obstacle course, children’s activities, axe throwing, arts and crafts vendors, fair-style food, a walk-in balloon, and a wine and craft beer garden. With so many activities, it was easy to spend several hours exploring the festival grounds.

Watching the balloons prepare for flight was fascinating. A hot air balloon has three main components: the gondola, envelope, and burners. The wicker gondola carries the passengers, while the colorful envelope is the large fabric portion of the balloon. Burners use propane to heat the air inside the envelope, causing the balloon to rise. The pilot can control the balloon’s vertical movement, but cannot steer it from side to side in the traditional sense. Horizontal movement depends largely on the wind and air currents.

My favorite part of the festival was watching the balloons slowly inflate before lifting into the sky. According to the festival website, more than 40 balloons participate each day of the 2.5-day weekend. But the real magic happened after sunset during the Balloon Glow. As darkness settled over the field, the colorful balloons were illuminated from within while the crowd counted down along with the DJ. Seeing dozens of glowing balloons against the dark evening sky was absolutely mesmerizing and easily the highlight of my first Carolina BalloonFest.

If You Go

• When: Carolina BalloonFest is traditionally held on the third weekend of October.
• Location: Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina.
• Tickets: Check the official festival website for current admission prices and balloon ride availability.
• Parking: Free off-site parking and shuttle service may be available, but expect long waits when attendance is high. VIP parking can be worth considering.
• Balloon rides: If you want to fly, book early because availability can be limited. Tethered rides are another option for those who don’t want a full flight.
• Balloon Glow: Don’t miss it! Plan to stay after sunset for one of the festival’s most spectacular experiences.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the evening, and your camera.
• Tip: Arrive early to watch the balloons inflate and allow plenty of time to explore the festival grounds before the evening Balloon Glow.

Reference Carolina BalloonFest Web Site, How do hot air balloons work

Carolina BalloonFest Photos

North Carolina Hiking and Attraction Map

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