Adirondack Balloon Festival

Take part in nearly 100 hot air balloons painting the sky on this magical weekend at the Adirondack Balloon Festival where unimaginable views become an amazing reality.

Experience one of the oldest and largest balloon events on the East Coast at the 47th annual Adirondack Balloon Festival. Make memories with friends and family as you soar through the sky and overlook the beautiful geography that is the Adirondack Mountains. This not-for-profit organization is strictly run by volunteers and is an open to the public event that prides itself on being free of charge. Upwards of 150,000 people come together over four days to enjoy this event from across the United States and the globe. This four-day event kicks-off in Queensberry, New York from September 19 until September 22. Numerous pilots from all over turn out for this event, all with creative hot air balloons of their own. Make sure to pick out your favorite color or pattern that you can find and get in contact with that pilot to book your flight today!

What to Expect at the Adirondack Balloon Festival

Hot air balloonists from across the United States and around the world have gathered in the Lake George Area for over 40 years. Floating high above the majestic Adirondack Mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that professional balloonists and amateur adventurers get to experience every single year.

This stunning festival features a wide variety of hot air balloons. You’ll see the typical rounded and colorful balloons as well as some balloons shaped in ways you would never expect. Come out and watch these vibrant balloons take to the sky in an array of colors and decorations.

The Adirondack Balloon Festival’s opening ceremonies take place at Crandall Park in Glens Falls on Thursday afternoon. The opening ceremonies feature live music, children’s activities, food vendors, and the flight of up to 20 hot air balloons (wind and weather permitting). All craft vendors are organized by the efforts of the Zonta Club, and locally based, not-for-profit organizations are given priority status as the food vendors. The goal of the Adirondack Balloon Festival is to give back to the community and work so that all proceeds remain and are reinvested in the local community.  

The main events of the Adirondack Balloon Festival take place at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport. Take part in lots of family fun, activities, and entertainment throughout the Festival. The famous Big Balloon Breakfast is served in the hangar on Saturday and Sunday morning.

In the evening the City of Glens Falls Block Party takes place on Glen Street in downtown Glens Falls. Enjoy the live music, balloon baskets on display, the car show, and fun children’s activities.

For updates on activities and hot air balloon launches follow the official Adirondack Balloon Festival Facebook page.

History of the Adirondack Balloon Festival

The early days of the Adirondack Balloon Festival were held at SUNY Adirondack. As the event grew, a larger site was needed to accommodate the growing number of balloons and spectators, and that new site was the Warren County airport—where the festival continues to be held today.

Through the years, the event has drawn international exposure for the Glens Falls region with relationships being formed with cities like Saga, Japan and Gatineau, Quebec.  The event traditionally draws balloonists from across the United States, but also internationally based pilots as well.

Today, the event draws upwards of 150,000 people over four days. The Adirondack Balloon Festival has been named one of the Top 100 events in North America and has received accolades from the Weather Channel, Food Network and media coverage including Associated Press articles as well as New York Times.

Important Information

• All ballooning flight times including the lift-offs, Airport Moonglow, and all activities are wind and weather permitting.
• NO DOGS ALLOWED (this is for their safety and our visitors as well).
• No drones or remote control aircraft are allowed.
• Please, no smoking.
• The Adirondack Balloon Festival does not schedule or book rides, but you can refer to the “BALLOONS & RIDES” section of their website. Many of the participating pilots will book rides independently. If their phone number and or email is listed, then they are willing to accept passengers. The prices for rides typically ranges from $195-$225 per person for a balloon ride, however, each pilot sets his own price.
• Free admission and parking for the festival
• VIP parking passes available for purchase
• Peak traffic times: 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Take Amtrak to the Adirondack Balloon Festival

Enjoy amazing views from New York via Amtrak to Fort Edward-Glens Falls Station in the Adirondacks—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Fort Edward-Glens Falls office today at: 518-745-5020.