Schedule of Events


​Welcome to 48th Carolina BalloonFest!

Relax under Carolina blue skies between early morning and late afternoon balloon launches. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the cool autumn days with your friends and family! Live music on the main stage, tethered balloon rides, Artisan Village, Kids Zone, NC wine & craft beer garden, great festival foods and much more!
​FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

Gates Open   3:00 P.M.

Picture
Click on the image above to learn more about the 2023 Kids Zone!

Kids Zone  3:00-7:00 P.M.

Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!
*inflatables & walk-in balloon are weather-dependent 

NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden   3:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Remember: Tasting tickets can only be purchased if the patron is wearing an age-verified wristband. Must have license presence. Cash only.

Main Stage Entertainment   3:00 - 8:15 P.M.

Mass Ascension Launch Window   4:00 - 5:30 P.M.

Hot Air Balloons Fly Out of the Festival Grounds*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 

Evening Balloon Glow Window​   6:30 - 7:30 P.M.

Hot Air Balloons return to the Festival Grounds to inflate & display at dusk*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 

Gates Close   8:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

Gates Open   7:00 A.M.

Hot Air Balloon Competition Launch Window   8:00 - 9:30 A.M.

Hot Air Balloons fly over Festival Grounds performing aspects of a pre-determined competition*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 
Picture
Click on the image above to learn more about the 2023 Kids Zone!

Kids Zone   9:00 A.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!
*inflatables & walk-in balloon are weather-dependent 

Main Stage Entertainment    10:00 A.M. - 8:15 P.M.

NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden   11:00 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Remember: Tasting tickets can only be purchased if the patron is wearing an age-verified wristband. Must have license presence. Cash only.

Skydiving Exhibition   1:45 P.M. 

Estimated window.

Pilot Meet & Greet   2:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Meet our pilots! To see if any rides or available, to ask questions, or if you're just curious, meet & greet some of our pilots in the launch field.

Mass Ascension Launch Window   4:00 - 5:30 P.M.

Hot Air Balloons Fly Out of the Festival Grounds*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 

Evening Balloon Glow Window   6:30 - 7:30 P.M.

Hot Air Balloons return to the Festival Grounds to inflate & display at dusk*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 

Gates Close   8:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
Military Appreciation Day!
Thank you Veterans and Active Military Service Men & Women! Free Admission with your Military Service Card/I.D.

Gates Open   7:00 A.M.

Hot Air Balloon Competition Launch Window   8:00 - 9:30 A.M.

Hot Air Balloons fly over Festival Grounds performing aspects of a pre-determined competition*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 
Picture
Click on the image above to learn more about the 2023 Kids Zone!

Kids Zone   9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!
*inflatables & walk-in balloon are weather-dependent 

Main Stage Entertainment   10:00 A.M. - 6 P.M.

NC Wine & Craft Beer Garden   10:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Remember: Tasting tickets can only be purchased if the patron is wearing an age-verified wristband. Must have license presence. Cash only.

Pilot Meet & Greet   2:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Meet our pilots! To see if any rides or available, to ask questions, or if you're just curious, meet & greet some of our pilots in the launch field.

Mass Ascension Launch Window   4:00 - 5:30 P.M.

Hot Air Balloons Fly Out of the Festival Grounds*
*The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule or cancel due to weather or safety concerns. 

Gates Close   6:00 P.M.

Rain or Shine... Carolina BalloonFest is open October 20-22, 2023!  
Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled twice daily; early morning & late afternoon. All ballooning activities (including static display, tethered rides and balloon flights) and skydiving exhibition 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, our 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. National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit that donates a portion of our festival proceeds to other local nonprofits and surrounding community agencies. 
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©2023 National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. is an incorporated 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all contributions are tax deductible. A portion of proceeds raised through Carolina BalloonFest are distributed to local nonprofit organizations. ​PO Box 267 ~ Statesville NC 28687
Festival Location is near Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677. ​Pre-purchased parking will be available on site and free parking will be available at Troutman park and ride. NO ROADSIDE PARKING - vehicles will be towed where NO PARKING signs are posted. Walk in spectators will not be admitted. Ticket scanning will be in progress.
©2023 National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc.