Carolina BalloonFest Announces E.P.I.C. Studios as New Title Sponsor in Multi-Year Partnership

Carolina BalloonFest is proud to announce E.P.I.C. Studios as the festival's new Title Sponsor, launching a multi-year partnership that brings together two organizations committed to creating unforgettable experiences and celebrating the Statesville community. Based in Statesville, E.P.I.C. Studios (Engaging Popular Inspiring Content) is building a dynamic, next-generation platform where creativity meets innovation. Through immersive live experiences, cutting-edge content, and a passion for inspiring others, E.P.I.C. Studios' mission—“Go LIVE, Be EPIC—Because your Moments deserve to be legendary.”—aligns naturally with Carolina BalloonFest's commitment to creating memorable moments that bring people together.

“This partnership is especially meaningful because it brings together two organizations that proudly call Statesville home,” said Pressly Mattox, Board Chairman of Carolina BalloonFest. “The entire E.P.I.C. Studios team understand the impact Carolina BalloonFest has on our community and the experiences it creates for thousands of families each year. We're excited to partner with a company that shares our passion for storytelling, innovation, and celebrating the place we all love.”

As Title Sponsor, E.P.I.C. Studios will play an integral role in supporting Carolina BalloonFest while helping tell the stories that make the event one of the Southeast's premier hot air balloon festivals.

“Michael and I grew up with the Carolina Balloonfest, and now as title sponsor, we are honored to continue this great tradition. This partnership is going to be EPIC!” said E.P.I.C Studios Co-Founder Brandon Haneline.

 The multi-year agreement marks an exciting new chapter for Carolina BalloonFest as the organization continues to grow its impact and deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees from across the country.

Each October, Carolina BalloonFest welcomes over 40,000 visitors to Statesville for a weekend of spectacular hot air balloons, live entertainment, family activities, marketplace and artisan vendors, great food, and community celebration. Beyond creating unforgettable experiences, the festival serves as a powerful economic and philanthropic driver for the region—generating more than $4 million in annual economic impact for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tourism partners. As a nonprofit organization, Carolina BalloonFest has also donated more than $1.2 million in local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives over the past decade, helping strengthen the communities it serves long after the balloons have landed.

The 2026 Carolina BalloonFest, themed “Together We Rise,” will take place October 16–18, 2026, in Statesville, North Carolina.

For festival information, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates, visit www.carolinaballoonfest.com.