Looking Toward the Future: Help Us Find the Next Home for E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest
For five decades, E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest has brought families, friends, and visitors together to experience the wonder of hot air balloons while creating a lasting impact on our community.
The 2026 Festival Is Still Happening
First and foremost, the 2026 E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest will take place October 16–18, 2026, at the Statesville Regional Airport, just as planned.
We're excited to welcome guests from across the country for another unforgettable weekend of balloons, live entertainment, family activities, and community celebration.
Why We're Planning for the Future
As the airport continues to grow, future development will significantly reduce the space available for the festival.
For years, we've worked alongside the City of Statesville to successfully host the event at the airport, and we're incredibly grateful for that partnership. However, planned airport expansion means we'll need to identify a new long-term home that allows the festival to continue growing while preserving the experience our attendees have come to expect.
Finding that location has been a priority for our Board of Directors for several years, and now we're asking our community to help.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a property that can become the future home of E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest.
Our ideal location includes:
Approximately 100–200 acres
Available to lease for approximately three weeks each year (event setup, festival weekend, and cleanup)
Located near a major highway
Multiple safe options for entering and exiting the property
Located within the Statesville/Iredell County area
Our goal is simple:
Keep Carolina BalloonFest in the community that has supported it for nearly over 50 years.
Why It Matters
E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest is much more than a weekend event.
Each year, it:
Welcomes visitors from across the United States.
Generates more than $4 million in annual economic impact for our region.
Supports local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and businesses.
Raises funds that are reinvested into local nonprofit organizations through National Balloon Rally Charities.
With additional space, the festival could continue growing, welcome more balloons, increase attendance, and ultimately generate an even greater impact for the community and the nonprofits we serve.
How You Can Help
Do you know of a property that may be a good fit?
Are you a landowner, developer, business leader, or community member with a potential opportunity?
We'd love to start the conversation.
Please contact:
Sam Parks
Executive Director, E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest
📧 sam@carolinaballoonfest.com
📞 (704) 495-6735
Looking Ahead Together
For over 50 years, E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest has been part of the fabric of Statesville and Iredell County. Our hope is that it remains here for generations to come.
With the support of our community, we're confident we can find a new home where families will continue creating memories, hot air balloons will continue filling the skies, and the festival's impact on local nonprofits and businesses will continue to grow.
If you know of a property—or someone who might—we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can help ensure the future of E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest continues to rise.