The hottest North Carolina event tickets of the year are now on sale and you won't want to miss this year's Carolina Balloonfest in Statesville. For three fun-filled days in October, hot air balloon enthusiasts and operators from all over the world will descend upon the Piedmont for the second oldest balloon festival in America.
The 2019 festival takes place the third weekend in October, but you'll want to purchase tickets — and your very own ride in one of these balloons — now while they're still available.
In just four short months the fun begins in a three-day festival filled with balloon launches, live music, festival food, arts and crafts, and more.
Early morning launches (weather permitting) get the day started off right with a sea of color that magically fills the sky over Statesville with floating color.
Morning launches on Saturday and Sunday usually take place soon after the sun comes up in the 8:00 hour.
After the launch, stick around the festival field for live music and more.
Over in the kids area, you'll be able to walk inside an inflated balloon. The festival will have continuous live music all weekend long with two stages and a stunning lineup of talent. And you can get your fix of festival food, shopping, and more — all while you wait for the late afternoon launch that takes place in a window between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting).
Perhaps the most beautiful moments of the festival are the Balloon Glows, scheduled this year for both Friday and Saturday nights.
After the balloons return to the field following their afternoon flight, they'll set up again and set the night aglow, with their balloons servings as enormous lanterns.
The glow, combined with the live music, food, and festive atmosphere, makes this one of our favorite parts of Carolina Balloonfest!
Prepare to be in awe of every single thing about this amazing festival, now in its 46th year. This family-oriented event promises to light up the night (and the day) with vibrant colors and activities the entire family will enjoy.
Whether you attend JUST for the Glow events on Friday and Saturday night, or you want to experience all that Carolina Balloonfest has to offer, you'll want to get your tickets now.
And if you have your heart set on taking a magical balloon ride during the festival, then you'll want to go ahead and make those arrangements asap, too.
Rides cost $250/person for one of the scheduled launches and arrangements are made directly with the balloon operator, not the festival. The festival does have a link on the website with instructions on how to book a flight in advance. Or, you could take a tethered ride during the event. Those usually run $5 - $10.
Carolina Balloonfest takes place October 18-20, 2019. Three mass ascensions of more than 50 hot air balloons are scheduled during the festival. For a full schedule of events, see this link on the official website. To purchase single day passes or weekend passes, parking passes, and VIP parking passes, see this link. You can also find more information the official Facebook page! Night Glows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings. Will you be attending this year? We'd love to know!
Address: 531 Old Airport Road, Statesville, NC, 28677
While you're in Statesville for this enchanting hot air balloon festival in North Carolina, head 15 miles north to visit this unique cowboy town - where cars are banned and people get around on horseback!
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