The Most Colorful Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza In Maine Takes To The Skies This Weekend

The end of summer in Maine is always a little bit of a bummer. We're still reveling in the hot weather and beach days, but it's clear that September will be here soon. Every few days there's a morning chill and we're starting to accept that there are probably just a few more weeks of beach days left. We'll continue to take those days, but some lively and colorful events thrown in definitely help the end of summer feel happier. This annual event will do just that.

This will be the 27th year of the annual Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston and it's shaping up to be the best yet!

In addition to bringing a beautiful colorful pop of color to the region for an entire weekend, the event is actually a great fundraising opportunity for local community organizations. In fact, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for local non-profits. The economic impact is over $2 million!

The even draws over 100,000 people each year, making this one of the most attended event in Maine. It also means that getting here early with a plan is vital.

There are two balloon launches each day, one at 6 a.m. and the next at 6 p.m.

Between launches there's plenty to see and do, including crafts and lots (and lots!) of food!

In addition to seeing the balloons head off into the sky, you can book yourself a trip on one for the morning or the evening. Or, do both!

Rides are $200 and are totally free-flying, which means they go wherever the wind does.

This is a beautiful way to see the area and an even more intimate way to understand how these balloons work.

The schedule of fun begins Friday, August 16th at 6 a.m. when the first balloons launch. At 4 p.m. the same day the food booths open. Music and bands begin then as well, so be ready for fun!

Saturday, August 16th is the annual parade from 11 a.m. to noon. It's almost as colorful as the balloon launch, so it's worth planning to see.

If you're not much of an early riser, plan to spend the day in the park at the food booths and enjoying live music so you're ready for the daily 6 p.m. launch.

The festival ends after the last launch on Sunday, closing out one of the most wonderful events of the summer here in Maine.

The 2019 Great Falls Balloon Festival begins Friday, August 16th and runs until Sunday, August 18th. It takes place Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston and there's additional entertainment and food at Festival Plaza in Auburn. The first balloon launches at 6 a.m on Friday. You can learn more about the festival and see the full schedule on the website. You can also follow them on Facebook to see photos of past events and keep track of any schedule changes. Approximate address: 95 Lincoln Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

For more Maine fun, check out this climb to the top of a beautiful lighthouse. You'll love every second and the views are worth any effort required.