Event Dates
From: Friday, October 18, 2024
To: Sunday, October 20, 2024
The annual Carolina Balloonfest is something that has to be seen in person to truly be appreciated simply WOW
The annual Carolina Balloonfest is something that has to be seen in person to truly be appreciated.
- Looking to stay in Charlotte for the event? Check out the Omni hotel, just a short drive from the NoDa gay district with outdoor pool and “fabulous” rating. NoDa, short for North Davidson, is the city’s arts, entertainment and gay district.
The Balloonfest
- As the second longest consecutively held hot air balloon event in the country, the Carolina Balloonfest is held each October in Statesville, NC, just 40 minutes outside Charlotte.
- Carolina Balloonfest attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year who come to see the mass ascensions and competitions and maybe even go for a tethered ride in one of the balloons.
- The event includes traditional shaped balloons as well as specialty shaped balloons, pilot meet and greets, a wine and craft beer tasting garden, live entertainment and, the most popular part of the festival, the Hot Air Balloon Glow on Saturday evening where all the balloons are illuminated against the night sky.
The Balloon Flights, Flyovers and Ascensions
Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled to launch only twice daily; early morning & late afternoon. Tether Rides are scheduled various times throughout the day(s). There are 5 flights scheduled throughout the 3-day weekend
- Pilots prepare to inflate and ascend from the festival field during an ascension. Three weekend ascensions are scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 4-5:30 p.m.
- A flyover is when pilots launch their balloons from remote and strategic areas around the Statesville area and navigate the winds to fly over the festival field while guests watch the pilots accomplish competition tasks. Two weekend flyovers are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday morning. The launch window is 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Other Events
- Carolina Balloonfest features two stages, an artisan and marketplace village, a walk-in balloon, a NC wine & craft beer garden and so much more! Adding to the fun, Saturday afternoon will feature a skydiving exhibition.
- Imagine Circus’ Cirque Spectacular show will return to the festival on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, featuring jaw-dropping partner acrobatics, juggling, hoop dance, and captivating aerial acrobatics.
Getting to Carolina Balloonfest
- The event takes place near Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.
- The quickest way to get from Charlotte to Statesville is to drive or to taxi which costs 95€ – 120€ and takes 45 min.
- If you want to stay in Statesville overnight, there are some charming hotels and guesthouses available.
Recommended Charlotte Hotels
The following Charlotte Hotels are all close to the city’s gay bars and attractions and a 40 min drive from the Baloonfest:
The Ivey’s Hotel, Kimpton Hotel, Charlotte Marriott, Hilton Hotel
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Ivey’s Hotel this luxury boutique
hotel is located in Downtown Charlotte
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Revisit the 2018 Carolina BalloonFest