Carolina BalloonFest

The second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country, about an hour north of Charlotte on I-77. Dozens of balloons launch in the early morning and late afternoon, with mass ascensions from 4 to 5:30 p.m. each day and evening glows after dark, when the balloons stay tethered on the field and fire their burners in time to music. This is the 51st year, and it always lands on the third weekend of October.

Between flights there is live music on two stages, an artisan village, a kids zone and a North Carolina wine and craft beer garden, and the whole thing is run by a nonprofit that gives a share of ticket sales to Iredell County charities. Bring chairs and blankets and plan to spend the day; the flying depends on wind and the best moments are not on a schedule.

What to expect

• Mass ascensions every afternoon from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• Morning competition flyovers Saturday and Sunday
• Evening balloon glows after dark
• Tethered balloon rides, sold separately, weather permitting
• Two music stages, artisan village, kids zone, wine and beer garden

Schedule

• Fri 4 to 5:30 p.m. First ascension, evening glow follows
• Sat and Sun 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Morning flyover competition
• Sat and Sun 4 to 5:30 p.m. Afternoon ascensions

Plan your visit

Tethered rides sell out early and are not included in the gate ticket. Sunday is free for active and retired military with ID. Saturday is the biggest crowd; Friday evening is the calmest way to see a glow.

Good to know

• The festival field is at Statesville Regional Airport, 260 Hangar Drive, off I-77.
• You can bring lawn chairs, blankets, small umbrellas, unopened bottled water and snacks in a small bag.
• Mornings in October are cold on an open airfield. Layer up for the 6:30 a.m. gate.
• Balloons do not fly in high wind. The festival posts flight status on its social channels each morning.