This Tiny Kansas Town Hosts a Stunning Hot Air Balloon Festival Every Year

Who else is excited about the annual Sunflower Balloon Fest in Kansas? Dozens of festivals take place around the Sunflower State every single year. But the Sunflower Balloon Fest is a large festival in a very small town that will take your breath away. Filled with colors, activities, and unforgettable experiences, this family-friendly annual event may become one of your favorite activities of the year.

The most recent balloonfest took place May 15 to 17, 2026. But if you plan now, you'll be ready for the 29th annual festival in May 2027. The tradition of this vibrant and exciting festival is one that generations of Kansans treasure. And if you plan to go next time, it'll easily be a weekend in Kansas worth remembering. Here's what else to know.

Why This Small Kansas Festival Is Worth the Trip

Anthony is the ideal rural town in Southern Kansas to host the Sunflower Balloon Fest. Between the small-town charm, the welcoming residents, and the wide-open fields perfect for launching balloons, it's no wonder that it draws thousands of festival goers every year.

Start the weekend by watching balloons inflate and launch on Friday evening at the Anthony Municipal Airport. Admire the glow of the fire lighting up inside the balloons against the bright sunset in the background. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The entire community comes out to support this long-standing tradition, providing delicious food, craft, and souvenir vendors, etc.

Sunflower Balloon Fest is a point of pride for Anthony residents, and of all the Kansas festivals, visitors say this one's the best. And we would have to agree with that.

What to Expect at This Family-Friendly Kansas Festival

This three-day event features a long list of activities that adults and children will enjoy. Get up close and personal to all the balloons before they take off, and watch them flow from the fields of the Anthony Airport. Balloons will launch each morning and evening, and are sure to evoke a childlike sense of wonder in all who witness them. All colors, shapes, and sizes of balloons will be there!

Festival goers can sign up to soar high above the clouds in a hot air balloon for $75, or opt for a tethered balloon ride—$20 for adults and $10 for kids. Tethered rides will be low to the ground, with a rope anchoring the balloon to the earth below. No matter which you choose, you'll see rolling clouds and beautiful Kansas farmland for miles.

After your ride, shop around at one of the many food and craft vendors in downtown Anthony. Eat pizza, hot dogs, or other carnival-style fare at one of the many local food trucks, or grab a drink at the bars open nearby. Then pick up a souvenir from the craft vendors posted up along the streets.

Once you've had your share of delicious treats, head over to the activities. Yeet axes at the ax-throwing booth, enjoy free tours of the Historical Museum of Anthony, watch a fun parade featuring local businesses and organizations, listen to live music on stages at night, and much more. There's even a classic car show that takes place near the town's courthouse in the afternoon. Saturday is always a jam-packed day at this Kansas festival! For a full itinerary, visit the festival's website.

Other Activities Kids Will Love at Sunflower Balloon Fest

We can't forget about all the things to do at this festival for the kids. Face painting, an inflatable obstacle course, a dunk tank, and small carnival rides and games will be in full swing on Saturday and Sunday in downtown Anthony. Three different age groups can join in on the hay scramble—a race to search for coins and other prizes in large piles of hay! A balloon artist will also be there, blowing up balloon animals of all shapes and sizes.

No matter what your kiddos choose to get up to, visiting Sunflower Balloon Fest is the perfect outdoor summertime activity in Kansas for kids to enjoy—especially before it gets too hot in July and August.

What to Know Before Visiting This Summer Festival in Kansas

Before attending Sunflower Balloon Fest, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a seamless trip. Most events take place in downtown Anthony or at the Anthony Municipal Airport; while specific parking will be available at the latter, the former may be trickier. So keep this in mind when heading toward downtown. You might need to pay for parking.

While the event entrance itself is free, make sure to bring extra cash or have a credit card on hand to pay for food, balloon rides, souvenirs, or access to other games and activities. Make sure you bring a camera, as well as comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and snacks—it can get hot in Kansas so you'll want hydration and sun protection!

Another thing to note: Due to the safety of the participants, all events at the Sunflower Balloon Fest are weather permitting. Meaning, if you're visiting from out of town, make sure you have proper lodging accommodations in case events get postponed.

Have you been to Sunflower Balloon Fest before? If not, plan your trip to Anthony, Kansas, in May 2027 to experience it firsthand. Even if you live in another part of the state, it's the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable Kansas road trip. After all, Anthony is close to other small towns in Kansas, as well as major cities like Wichita and Arkansas City.