Most towns in Arkansas have some kind of festival. From watermelon festivals to rotary tiller races to mule jumps, Arkansas’s various festivals are unique and fun for the whole family. One festival, however, rises above the rest. I mean that literally because the most impressive part of Arkansas's very own hot air balloon festival mostly takes place in the sky. The Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship Races are held in downtown Harrison and will take place September 13-15, 2024. You can find directions to Harrison by using this Google map.
The Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship Races are highly anticipated.
That’s because, at this annual Arkansas festival, you’ll find three days' worth of hot air balloon races, along with other activities that will knock your socks off.
For over a quarter of a century, it has been delighting fans from far and wide.
It has been held in the town of Harrison, Arkansas since 1995.
The festival is so much more than races.
You can also have a "ride" in a tethered hot air balloon for a nominal fee.
And for something else fun at the festival...
...be sure to check out the helicopter rides.
There is also a Kids' Zone full of bounce arounds, pony rides, and more.
You'll also find all of your favorite festival foods and live music at this popular Arkansas event.
When the sun goes down, the balloons are tethered to the ground...
... which makes for a stunning backdrop for the festival’s evening events.
The races themselves are impressive.
There’s nothing quite like seeing all of those huge balloons up close and personal and then watching them disappear higher and higher into the Arkansas sky.
If you’re thinking about going, you should know that the festival organizers put safety first.
So if it’s exceptionally windy or raining (you never know with the Arkansas weather!), the festival will be canceled.
The Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship Races...
... there’s no festival in the Natural State more visually stunning or unique!
For more information, check out the Harrison County Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship website, as well as the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship Facebook page.
Have you ever been to the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship Races? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is among the best Arkansas hot air balloon festivals? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
For another Arkansas festival that's one-of-a-kind, be sure to read all about the Toad Suck Daze. To see more festivals that you should think about attending, be sure to read 9 Festivals In Arkansas That Food Lovers Should NOT Miss.
If you’d like to explore hikes around the festival area, you can find some great trails by going to the overall AllTrails website.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!