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!

Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 20, 2023

Gates Open 3:00 P.M.

Kids Zone 3:00-7:00 P.M.
Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!

Kids Zone Information

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.

Entertainment Schedule

Friday
Albannach, Bing Futch, The Get Right Band

Mass Ascension Launch Window 4:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Hot Air Balloons Fly Out of the Festival Grounds*

Evening Balloon Glow Window? 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Hot Air Balloons return to the Festival Grounds to inflate & display at dusk*

Gates Close 8:30 P.M.

Saturday, October 21, 2023

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*

Competition Information

Kids Zone 9:00 A.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!

Kids Zone Information

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

Entertainment Schedule
?
Saturday
Albannach, Bing Futch, Darrell Harwood, LeeD Not Follow, The Way Down Wanderers

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*

Evening Balloon Glow Window 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Hot Air Balloons return to the Festival Grounds to inflate & display at dusk*

Gates Close 8:30 P.M.

Sunday, October 22, 2023

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*

Competition Information

Kids Zone 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Inflatables* Free! Walk-In Balloon* ($2)!

Kids Zone Information

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

Entertainment Schedule

Sunday
Albannach, Big Futch, Bryan Olsen, Dani Kerr, The Nonprofits, Nspire

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*

Gates Close 6:00 P.M.

Date: October 20-22, 2023

Location: Iredell County Fairgrounds - 630 North Main Street, Troutman, NC 28166

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