Hot air balloon festivals are vibrant, captivating events celebrated across the United States, drawing enthusiasts and spectators worldwide. These festivals are a visual spectacle and a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the spirit of adventure, community, and innovation. They offer a unique blend of history, art, and technology, as well as a chance to appreciate the beauty of the landscape from a bird’s-eye view. While there are many hot air balloon festivals, I’m sharing the best hot air balloon festivals in the USA here.
Origin and Early History of Hot Air Ballooning
The history of hot air ballooning begins in the late 18th century with the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne, credited with launching the first successful crewed hot air balloon flight in 1783 in Annonay, France. The brothers saw smoke rising, which inspired their discovery that heated air collected in a lightweight fabric envelope would make it buoyant.
On June 4, 1783, they demonstrated their invention with a successful unmanned flight. This demonstration led to the first crewed flight in Paris on November 21, 1783. Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d’Arlandes piloted this historic flight, which lasted about 25 minutes and covered approximately 5.5 miles.
The success of the Montgolfier brothers raised interest in hot-air ballooning across Europe. In the years after, ballooning technology improved, allowing for longer and higher flights. This fascination with ballooning also spread to the United States, where early fans started to explore this new way of flying.
The Beginning of Organized Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the U.S.
First Known Festival
The first organized hot air balloon festival in the United States is often considered the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which began in 1972. The event was initially part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of 770 KOB Radio, a local station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What started as a small gathering of 13 balloons has grown into the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, with over 500 balloons participating annually.
Evolution Over the Years
Since the inception of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, hot air balloon festivals have increased across the United States, evolving in scale, scope, and popularity. Here is an overview of the evolution of these festivals over the years:
- 1970s and 1980s: Following the success of the Albuquerque Fiesta, other cities began to organize balloon festivals. Events such as the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift-Off and the Great Reno Balloon Race emerged during this time, contributing to the growing popularity of ballooning.
- 1990s: The 1990s saw a significant increase in hot air balloon festivals, with many smaller towns and cities hosting events. The rise of specialized balloon designs, including unique shapes and themed balloons, added new excitement and visual appeal to these festivals.
- 2000s: Technological advancements in ballooning, such as improved materials and more efficient burners, allowed for safer and more spectacular flights. The integration of live entertainment, food vendors, and interactive activities made balloon festivals family-friendly and appealing to a broader audience.
- 2010s to Present: Hot air balloon festivals have grown in popularity recently, attracting international participants and spectators. Social media and digital marketing have helped promote these events to a global audience, making them major tourist attractions. Festivals have also become more environmentally conscious, implementing sustainable practices to minimize their ecological footprint.
You Will Frequently See This at Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Hot air balloon festivals typically feature events and activities designed to entertain and engage attendees of all ages. The core attractions usually include:
- Mass Ascensions: This event, often held early in the morning or late in the afternoon, involves the simultaneous launch of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of hot air balloons. The sight of colorful balloons filling the sky is a breathtaking highlight of any festival.
- Balloon Glows: Held in the evening, balloon glows showcase balloons illuminated from within by their burners, creating a stunning display of glowing orbs against the night sky.
- Special Shape Rodeos: These events feature uniquely shaped balloons, such as animals, characters, and other creative designs, adding an element of whimsy and fun to the festival.
- Tethered Rides: For those who want to experience ballooning but are hesitant about flying, tethered rides provide a safe and easy way to enjoy floating above the ground.
- Live Entertainment and Activities: Festivals often include live music, performances, food vendors, craft fairs, and interactive activities for children, making them family-friendly events with something for everyone.
Hot Air Balloon Festivals Cultural and Regional Influences
Local hot air balloon festivals show off the unique culture and features of its location. For example, festivals in the Southwest might include Native American culture, while those in the Northeast highlight the beauty of fall leaves. Local traditions, food, and arts are often part of the event, giving visitors a rich and immersive experience.
When I attended the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in 2022, Native American performers entertained and educated the crowd. We enjoyed browsing the vendor booths, sampling food, and listening to Native American music.
This year, the Great Reno Balloon Race celebrates community, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of those who make it possible. Spotlighting Women in Aviation (2024) for their 43rd anniversary, the theme honors women who have made significant contributions to hot air ballooning and the success of this festival. Special exhibits, panel discussions, and tribute flights will showcase the Volunteers, Board Members, Ground and Chase Crews, and Pilots. (The Great Reno Balloon Race is September 6-8, 2024).
Hot Air Balloon Festivals Economic and Community Impact
Hot air balloon festivals have significant economic and social impacts on their host communities. They attract tourists, boost local businesses, and provide a platform for cultural exchange. These local hot air balloon festivals also help build community pride and get people involved, as residents often volunteer and participate in the events.
In a survey by the University of Nevada, Reno, 2013, the total estimated economic impact of non-local visitors to the Great Reno Balloon Race was $6,644,560. While visiting GRBR, 63.5% of non-locals attended another event within the Reno/Tahoe area.
Hot Air Balloon Festivals Environmental Considerations
While hot air ballooning is generally considered environmentally friendly, festival organizers are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact. Efforts to minimize waste, promote recycling, and sustainable practices in event planning and execution are used.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is committed to making the event sustainable by incorporating solar light towers and Battery Energy Storage Systems into the event operations. Solar lighting on the fields guarantees no emissions, no noise, no need to refuel, and no need for maintenance. The automated control system turns the lights off at dawn without the human touch. The BESS is a trailer-mounted unit adaptable to various locations, has zero emissions, and has minimal noise (which everyone can appreciate if you’ve ever been on the balloon launching field during lift-off).
5 Best Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the United States
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest ballooning event on earth. The ABQ festival began in 1972 with 13 balloon launches, and now, over four decades later, more than 500 balloons are in this year’s fiesta.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Time of Year: Early October
I’ve attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta twice. The first time, the weather was perfect, with sunny skies and no wind. I was able to attend every event. In 2022, it was windy, cloudy, stormy and cold. I only had one day available to attend the afternoon event. Storm clouds and lightning threatened the area. We had to clear the field and were rushed onto the transportation bus to keep us safe and make our exit.
Things To Do in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Places to Eat in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
Balloons are visible at the morning launch from 6:30 am to 9:00 am and on Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm for the Balloon Glow at the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Time of Year: Labor Day Weekend
Great Reno Balloon Race
The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest FREE hot air balloon event. The GRBR festival began in 1982 with 20 balloon launches, and now, 32 years later, upwards of 100 balloons are in this year’s fiesta.
Location: Reno, Nevada
Time of Year: Early September
Adirondack Balloon Festival
The Adirondack Balloon Festival celebrates its 51st anniversary this year, draws 100,000 attendees, and is rated in the Top 100 Events in North America.
Location: Glens Falls and Queensbury, New York
Time of Year: Late September
Plano Balloon Festival
The Plano Balloon Festival celebrates 45 years of launching hot air balloons in 2024. The balloons will be in the park on Thursday and Friday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, and Sunday at 7:00 am (weather permitting).
Location: Plano, Texas
Time of Year: Late September
Final Thoughts
Hot air balloon festivals in the United States are more than just a series of flights. These dynamic, multi-faceted events celebrate the artistry and science of ballooning, scenic landscapes, and community spirit. If you are looking for adventure and inspiration, I highly recommend that you find a hot air balloon festival near you.
Learn more about the Sonoran Desert, where I took my last hot air balloon ride here.