50 Years. 5 Decades. 1 Incredible Journey.

In 2025, the Carolina BalloonFest celebrated an incredible milestone—50 years of bringing people together through the magic of hot air balloons.

What began as a small community event has grown into one of North Carolina's most beloved festivals, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the country each October. From breathtaking morning launches and colorful evening balloon glows to live entertainment, family activities, and unforgettable memories, the 50th Carolina BalloonFest was a celebration decades in the making.

None of it would have been possible without our amazing pilots, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, community partners, and every guest who joined us for this historic weekend. Your support has helped shape the Carolina BalloonFest into the tradition it is today.

As we look back on this milestone year, we're filled with gratitude for the memories made, the friendships formed, and the generations of families who have made the Carolina BalloonFest part of their story.

Enjoy a few of our favorite moments from the 50th Carolina BalloonFest below—and thank you for helping us make history.

Here's to the next chapter. We can't wait to see you back in the skies October 16–18, 2026!