You got a guy™ for venue tickets
Carolina Balloon Fest Tickets
Now selling
Upcoming Events at Carolina Balloon Fest
The venue
About Carolina Balloon Fest
Welcome to Carolina Balloon Fest, a beloved annual event held on the grounds of Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina. Spanning about 35 acres of grassy festival space, the event transforms the airport into a vibrant celebration of ballooning, music, food, and family-friendly activities. Known for its mass ascensions, balloon glows on Friday and Saturday evenings, tether rides, drone show, and the Balloon Chasers 5K, it draws more than 40,000 spectators over three days each year.
Whether you’re planning a weekend with friends, a family outing, or a nature-filled day of awe-inspiring balloons, we’ve got you covered with practical details on parking, transportation, seating, and nearby places to stay and eat. Secure your seats and plan ahead—we’ve got dependable options to help you enjoy this iconic Carolina tradition without the hassle.
Note: The festival is held on the airport grounds, using the grassy festival bowl on site. The event occurs on the third weekend of October with specific hours each day to accommodate morning launches and evening glows. For a seamless visit, review parking options and hotel recommendations below.
Parking is available on-site but limited and may sell out ahead of the festival. Park & Ride alternatives are available at the Iredell County Fairgrounds (630 N Main St, Troutman), with shuttle service to the festival and an Uber drop-off zone for added convenience. For a comfortable stay near the action, consider affiliate hotel partners in Statesville, including Hampton Inn Statesville, Best Western Statesville Inn, and Courtyard Statesville Mooresville/Lake Norman, all within a short drive. Explore nearby dining options and secure your preferred accommodations early to maximize your festival experience.
Stay connected with official event updates and social media for the latest on schedule, special performances, and any venue notes. We’re here to help you navigate parking, transportation, seating, and local amenities so you can focus on the breathtaking balloons and family fun that define Carolina Balloon Fest.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Venue: Statesville Regional Airport, 531 Old Airport Rd, Statesville, NC 28677. The event takes place on the airport grounds and uses the grassy festival bowl on site.
- Venue footprint: approximately 35 acres of grassy festival space used for balloons, attractions, and spectator viewing.
- Parking & transit: On-site parking exists but is limited/sold out; Park & Ride is available at the Iredell County Fairgrounds (630 N Main St, Troutman) with shuttles to the festival, plus an Uber drop-off zone.
- Dates and hours: Held annually on the third weekend of October; Friday 3:00 PM–8:30 PM, Saturday 6:30 AM–8:30 PM, Sunday 6:30 AM–6:00 PM; includes mass ascensions and evening balloon glows.
- Attendance: Over 40,000 spectators across the three-day festival.
- Notable events: mass ascensions, balloon glows (Fri & Sat evenings), tether rides, ballloon flights, drone show, and instruments like the Balloon Chasers 5K on Sunday.
- Nearby hotels: multiple options in Statesville within a short drive (e.g., Hampton Inn Statesville; Best Western Statesville Inn; Courtyard Statesville Mooresville/Lake Norman).
- Renamed/demolished: There is no evidence of demolition or renaming of the venue; the festival is advertised as taking place at Statesville Regional Airport (531 Old Airport Rd).
- Notable anniversary: 50th anniversary celebrated in 2025, with city proclamations recognizing Carolina BalloonFest Weekend.