Event Dates
From: Friday, October 20, 2023
To: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Carolina Balloonfest 2023
The annual Carolina Balloonfest is something that has to be seen in person to truly be appreciated simply WOW
Carolina Balloonfest 2023
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
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Ivey’s Hotel this luxury boutique
hotel is located in Downtown Charlotte
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Carolina Balloonfest visit The Website
Gay Map of Charlotte
Recommended Hotels in Charlotte By Expedia
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Expedia
We have chosen hotels in Boston that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Westin Charlotte
4 Star, Luxury
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has 2 bars/lounges & a 24-hour fitness center. Additionally, a coffee shop/café, a snack bar/deli. All 700 rooms feature thoughtful touches like pillow menus & bathrobes, plus pillowtop beds & flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find WiFi, rainfall showerheads
JW Marriott
4 Star, Nice Pool
2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool are available at this smoke-free hotel. Additionally, a 24-hour fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All rooms are soundproofed and feature WiFi, Tempur-Pedic beds, and iPod docks. LED TVs with digital channels and guests will also find premium bedding and down comforters.
Grand Bohemian
4 Star, Readers Choice
A full-service spa, a restaurant, and a fitness center are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a rooftop terrace, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 254 rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Wired Internet, minibars
Omni Charlotte Hotel
4 Star, Good Amenity’s
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has a health club and a poolside bar. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a 24-hour business center, & WiFi in public areas. All 374 rooms offer comforts like pillowtop beds & premium bedding, plus MP3 docks & LCD TVs with digital channels. Guests will also find WiFi, minibars, & coffee makers.
Video Of Carolina Balloonfest
Revisit the 2018 Carolina BalloonFest
Recommended Hotels in Charlotte By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Boston that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Ivey’s Hotel
5 Star – Luxury
This luxury boutique hotel is located in Downtown Charlotte and features a continental breakfast in the Library Lounge Rooms include a 55-inch 4K flat-screen TV, mini bar, and an en suite outfitted entirely white marble. Select rooms include a floating bathtub. Frette Italian linen and a single-serving Nespresso coffee machine.
Kimpton Charlotte
4 Star, Style
Set in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, this Kimpton hotel offers crafted cocktails and shareable bar snacks at Merchant & Trade rooftop bar. Rooms and suites boast a flat-screen cable TV, a pillow-top mattress, and a Carrera marble bathroom with Atelier Bloem bath amenities. A park view is offered in some suites and 24-hour room service.
Charlotte Marriott
4 Star – Great Amenities
Charlotte Marriott City Center is located in the heart of downtown Charlotte. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi in public areas. The air-conditioned rooms of Marriott Charlotte City Center feature modern decor. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable. A coffee maker and small refrigerator. Some rooms offer access to the M Club Lounge.
Hilton Charlotte
4 Star – Perfect Location
Ideally placed in the center of Charlotte city centre, this hotel is directly across from the Charlotte Convention Center. The Hilton Charlotte Uptown features guestrooms furnished with the latest technologies, including flat-screen TVs, The hotel is also conveniently connected to the YMCA Health Club, featuring state-of-the-art equipment.
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