July 22. After a pandemic hiatus, the Carolina BalloonFest  will be back on Oct. 14-16 in Statesville.

The Carolina BalloonFest, first celebrated in  1974, is known as the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country.

The festival features hot air balloon morning competitions, mass ascensions, and evening balloon glows in addition to live entertainment on two stages, a kids’ zone, marketplace and artisan village, NC wine and craft beer garden, plus aerialist circus performances and skydiving exhibitions.

Tickets range from $10 to $300 and are non-refundable.

The Carolina BalloonFest is a weather-dependent event, and therefore, although the general weather forecast for the weekend looks good, wind and weather conditions can change rapidly. 

Hot air balloons launch twice daily, early morning and late afternoon, but there are attractions and family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the day.