Updated for 2026.
Every autumn since 1974, the Southern sky transforms into a spectacular display of color during the Carolina BalloonFest, one of the region’s most anticipated Statesville, NC events. This hot air balloon festival attracts visitors from all over the country, who come together to enjoy three days of fun, entertainment, and excitement.
Rooms fill up fast for festival weekend, so we always recommend booking your stay at Davidson Village Inn before you finalize your travel plans. Keep reading to get all the details on the many ways to have a blast, from balloon rides to catching the morning launches.
2026 Carolina BalloonFest | October 16–18
Gates open: Fri 3pm | Sat & Sun 6:30am
Schedule of Events | Ticket Information | Know Before You Go
This year’s dates line up with Davidson College’s Wildcat Weekend, so if you’re visiting campus, we’d build the trip around it. Rooms fill quickly for this one, so we always recommend booking early.
Watch the Balloons Lift Off
The Carolina BalloonFest, one of the region’s largest hot air balloon festivals, takes place on the third weekend of every October. Gates open at 3pm Friday and 6:30am both Saturday and Sunday for the morning launches. Throughout the weekend, five mass flights fill the sky. Saturday and Sunday mornings bring flyovers, where pilots show off their skills in a series of accuracy competitions right after the mass ascension. At dusk, the balloons return to the festival grounds for the Balloon Glow. This year’s nightly drone shows add another reason to stick around after dark. Look up during the weekend, and you’ll also spot special-shape balloons among the classics, from rocket ships to cartoon characters.
Take to the Skies
If you’re looking for an up-close-and-personal balloon experience, plenty of pilots will take you for a lift. Tether rides are $20 per person, first come, first served, and give you a sweeping view of the festival grounds. If you want the full balloon ride experience, book a ride with one of the festival-approved pilots for around $400 per person. The rides typically last 45 to 60 minutes. If you’d prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, visitors of all ages will have a blast climbing into the colorful walk-in balloon. In the afternoon, head to the launch site and mingle with some incredible BalloonFest pilots.
Adventures and activities for the kids
The Kids Zone is a great place to let the little ones roam. They can run and play on the inflatable slides, exciting jump houses, and a humongous trampoline. For the brave at heart, the daring bungee jump provides plenty of thrills. Free magic shows run throughout the weekend, dazzling young spectators with mysterious tricks and illusions, and the Sunday-only circus provides plenty of fun for the whole family.
Eat, Drink, and Jam Out
There’s plenty for grown-ups to enjoy at the balloon festival, too. Relax and grab a drink at the Wine and Craft Beer Garden, or choose from dozens of delectable bites from the food vendors over on Eat Street. Browse through the eclectic variety of unique trinkets and handmade goods on display at the Marketplace and Artisan Village. BalloonFest also features a wide variety of musical performances between its two stages all weekend long. Check the schedule to ensure you don’t miss your favorite acts.
Tip: A quick note before you head out: the festival is cashless, so plan to bring a card.
Fall Semester at Davidson College
BalloonFest weekend also happens to be on the Davidson College Family Weekend this year, so if you’re visiting a student, you can pair a campus visit with a weekend of balloons overhead. We always recommend booking your room well in advance when both events fall on the same dates. And if your visit lines up with a home football game, ask us at check-in. We keep a stack of free tickets to Wildcats home games at the front desk, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Start Planning!
If you’re ready to experience the wonder and excitement of the Carolina BalloonFest, visit their website to purchase your tickets. Start planning a fun-filled weekend around one of the top Statesville, NC events.
We’re just about 35 miles from the festival grounds at Statesville Regional Airport. We offer a quiet place to relax after an action-packed day. With 18 pristine guestrooms to choose from, we’re sure to have accommodations to suit your needs. Start your morning off right with a delicious breakfast, and sleep in luxury every night between our Comphy brand sheets.
Rooms book quickly for special events, so now is the time to start planning your North Carolina getaway. Book your stay with Davidson Village Inn today to guarantee you get the best lodging in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Carolina BalloonFest
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