Statesville, NC – Rain or Shine…Carolina BalloonFest is open October 18-20! We’re proud to be the country’s second oldest hot air balloon festival, and to be reaching such an impressive milestone! Festival Hours are: Friday, October 18: 3 PM ~ 8:30 PM; Saturday, October 19: 7 AM ~ 8:30 PM; Sunday, October 20: 7 AM – 6:00 PM.
Please know that when you attend the Carolina BalloonFest, your ticket purchase and attendance provide the monies we donate to a multitude of non-profits at the end of the year.
Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled twice daily; early morning & late afternoon. All ballooning activities including static display, tethered rides and balloon flights are weather-dependent. The decision to inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to the scheduled ballooning activity. Please note that due to the popularity of our festival, Saturday is our most popular festival day and the admissions booths will close when we reach maximum capacity. This is a decision out of our control and made by local law enforcement. Tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets can be purchased at the event or online in advance at http://www.carolinaballoonfest.com.
Tickets pricing ranges from $10.00 General Admision – $35.00 Weekend Pass. Children 12 and under are free.
Admission Tickets and Hot Air Balloon Rides are purchased separately. Balloon Rides are purchased directly from a participating ride pilot.
Festival Location is near Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677. Parking will be available on site and at park and ride. NO ROADSIDE PARKING! Parking Information:
During the weekend, FREE parking for all patrons is located at the Park & Ride, at the Iredell County Fairgrounds, located at 630 N. Main St, Troutman, NC 28166.
FREE, rotating Charter Bus shuttle services to BalloonFest all weekend.
Friday, October 18 – Opens from 6:30 AM until The End of Festival
• FREE Shuttle Service continuously running
• Shuttle stops near BalloonFest admission gate
• Return Shuttle Service continuously running to Park & Ride until festival close 8:30 PM.
Saturday, October 19 – opens from 6:30 AM until The End of Festival
• FREE Shuttle Service continuously running
• Shuttle stops near BalloonFest admission gate
• Return Shuttle Service continuously running to Park & Ride until festival close 8:30 PM.
Sunday, October 20 – opens from 6:30 AM until The End of Festival
•FREE Shuttle Service continuously running
• Shuttle stops near BalloonFest admission gate
• Return Shuttle Service continuously running to Park & Ride until festival close 6:00 PM.
On-Site Paid Parking Information:
Friday, October 18 – 6:30 AM – The End of Festival
• On-site parking available via General Admission Parking Pass for $10. Pass will park patrons in upper field adjacent to festival.
• On-site parking available via VIP Parking Pass for $20. Pass will park patrons near taxiway with private entry and exit point for more accessibility to the festival.
Saturday, October 19 – 6:30 AM – The End of Festival
• On-site parking available via General Admission Parking Pass for $10. Pass will park patrons in upper field adjacent to festival.
• On-site parking available via VIP Parking Pass for $20. Pass will park patrons near taxiway with private entry and exit point for more accessibility to the festival.
Sunday, October 20 – 6:30 AM – To End of Festival
• On-site parking available via General Admission Parking Pass for $10. Pass will park patrons in upper field adjacent to festival.
• On-site parking available via VIP Parking Pass for $20. Pass will park patrons near taxiway with private entry and exit point for more accessibility to the festival.
General Admission Parking Pass and VIP Parking Pass are available for purchase per day.
Handicap and Motorcyle Parking is also available. Visit www.carolinaballoonfest for more information and maps. Bring Cash! Most vendors and beer tickets are cash purchases only. Limited ATM locations; wait times for guest access to cash may occur.
