Statsville, NC – Carolina BalloonFest will celebrate its 44th year on October 20-22. A favorite festival among many families, this three-day event held in Statesville, NC, is filled with live entertainment, attractions, and family-friendly activities. Located at 260 Hanger Dr. Statesville NC 28677, at the Statesville Airport. Tune into WSIC radio at 100.7 FM or 1400 AM for Balloon Fest info during the event.
Celebrating with the festival this year is Carolina BalloonFest’s new Executive Director, Bud Welch.
Welch has been an active volunteer of the festival for more than 10 years. With his hands on experience, Welch has led by example, serving as an active committee and board member while performing various tasks to ready the field for the festival each year.
This year, the festival will host 58 balloons, the largest number of hot air balloons seen by the Carolina BalloonFest in many years. There will also be over two dozen food vendors, nearly 50 marketplace and artisan vendors, and an extensive line-up of live entertainment.
Don’t forget about the festival’s kids’ zone, filled with inflatables, a walk-in balloon and interactive shows. An NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden will also be on site, featuring nine vendors and over 50 samples.
The festival is also a place for many unique and eclectic stories; where pilots of all walks of life join together to celebrate the history of ballooning in Iredell County.
Meet our pilots at the festival’s Pilot Meet & Greet, held in the flight field from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
So bring your cameras, lawn chairs and blankets to experience the Carolina Balloonfest, with the beauty of over 50 balloons ascending in unison, the entertainment of live bands, and the other attractions that provide family fun for all ages.
In an effort to be as open as possible, the Carolina BalloonFest feels compelled to point out that while the general weather report for the weekend is very good, the wind forecast may present challenges for us in terms of balloon launches, especially on Friday and Saturday. Of course, wind and weather conditions can change rapidly. Carolina BalloonFest will do everything within our means to have as many scheduled launches as possible. However, our patrons must understand that we have no control over the weather and that the safety of our pilots, their passengers and our patrons is our primary concern.
Children 12 and under get free admission. Pricing varies from $5 per person on Friday only, to a $35 per person weekend pass, and also up to $300 for a Patron Package. Visit Carolinaballonfest.com to buy tickets. October 20, Friday, Gates Open 3pm ~ Close 8:30pm. October 21, Saturday, Gates Open 7am ~ Close 8:30pm. October 22, Sunday, Gates Open 7am – Close 6pm.
Free parking will be provided. Parking will be located at the festival site, located at 531 Airport Road. This is a first-come, first-serve parking lot and it is encouraged that vehicles should arrive before 1 p.m. to receive a spot. Parking is also available at the Troutman Park & Ride located at the Iredell County Fair Grounds, 630 N. Main St., Troutman. Free shuttle rides will transport guests to and from festival. Last shuttle will run at 4 p.m. (on Saturday and Sunday).
Bring Cash: Most vendors and beer tickets are cash purchases only. Limited ATM locations; wait times for guest access to cash may occur.
Hot Air Balloon Flights / Activities Are Weather Dependent: All ballooning activities including static displays, tethered rides and balloon flights are weather dependent. The decision to inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to a scheduled ballooning activity.
Hot Air Balloons Only Launch Twice Daily ~ Early Morning & Late Afternoon. Many attractions and family-friendly activities are scheduled throughout the day for your enjoyment between early morning and late afternoon launch times!
Permitted Items: Blankets, Chairs, Cameras.
Items Not Allowed: Pets, coolers, weapons, drones, pop-up canopies. Search activities will be in progress.
Refund Policy: Carolina Balloonfest Is A Rain Or Shine Event. Carolina BalloonFest Tickets are NON-Refundable. A portion of proceeds raised through our annual hot air balloon festival is distributed to local nonprofit organizations. National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. is an incorporated 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Our mission is to continue the heritage of hot air ballooning in Iredell County, spotlight the community of Statesville and donate a percentage of Carolina BalloonFest proceeds to local nonprofit organizations.
For much more information or to purchase tickets, visit CarolinaBalloonFest.com or call 704-818-3307.
