10 Amazing Hot Air Balloon Festivals to Visit in Your RV
At this point, our family has visited a lot of places and attended a lot of events. One of our favorite things we’ve ever visited as full-time RVers? The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! This event is absolutely magical and we will never forget the feeling of waking up to hot-air balloons flying directly overhead during this most amazing of hot-air balloon festivals.
We loved this experience so much that I have started making a list of balloon festivals to attend around the country. Here are my top picks as of right now. They are listed in chronological order through the next calendar year, so plan your ultimate balloon festival trip with RV Trip Wizard today!
Labor Day Lift Off
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 31–September 2, 2024
Another event that offers a stunning backdrop for the balloon performance, Labor Day Lift Off takes place in lovely Colorado Springs. Here you’ll see around 70 balloons take to the skies with the Rockies in the background. Live entertainment (including skydive jumpers and aerial acrobats) add to the fun, and the donut eating competition is always a hoot.
There is no onsite camping for this event. Instead, consider staying at the nearby Foot of the Rockies RV Resort.
The Great Reno Balloon Race
Reno, Nevada
September 6–8, 2024
For those who are on a tight budget, the Great Reno Balloon Race could be a good choice. This amazing event is the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event, attracting as many as 140,000 visitors. It is four days long and includes paid hot-air balloon rides, illuminated balloon events, silly competitions, and a whole lot more.
There is no onsite camping for this event. Instead, consider staying at the nearby River West Resort.
Carolina BalloonFest
Statesville, North Carolina
October 18–20, 2024
North Carolina is an absolutely gorgeous place to be during the fall, and the Carolina BalloonFest makes it even more incredible by adding a splash of color to the sky.
Here you’ll see mass ascensions and nighttime balloon glows. You’ll also have the opportunity to ride in a hot-air balloon, enjoy some live entertainment, try local wine and beer, and have a fun time with the little ones in the kid zone. Be sure to camp onsite to get the most out of your visit!
Learn more about camping onsite.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico
October 5–13, 2024
This is the big one! The largest and longest-running balloon festival in the US, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is absolutely epic. More than 500 unique hot-air balloons lift off each day of this event, filling the sky with a rainbow of colors and an enormous variety of shapes. The “night glow” provides visitors with an opportunity to see the balloons all lit up, and by using one of the official camping locations, you will likely be treated to balloons flying right over your rig.
This event is incredibly popular. Make sure to secure your campsite as soon as they become available! If you miss out, try one of these RV parks instead.
Arizona Balloon Classic
Phoenix, Arizona
January 24–26, 2025
One of the only wintertime balloon festivals I’ve been able to find, the Arizona Balloon Classic takes place in January. It features all kinds of awesome fun, including a laser light show, fireworks, and a family fun zone that is open all day long.
The Desert Winds Kite Festival runs alongside the balloon festival, meaning you can also enjoy gorgeous show kites, parachute ground racing, and more.
There is no onsite camping for this event. Instead, consider staying at the nearby Covered Wagon RV Park.
Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
Decatur, Alabama
May 2025
Because Decatur is within a day’s drive for nearly half of the population of the US, this might just be the most easily accessible event on our list. The Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is on the smaller side, but this is actually nice in some ways because it means fewer crowds to contend with. Around 60 balloons generally lift off at this event. You’ll also get a chance to check out antique vehicles, balloon races, and more.
There is no onsite camping for this event. Instead, consider staying at the nearby Point Mallard Park.
Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival
Lake Skinner, California
May 2025
If food and wine are your thing, you might want to consider the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival. This three-day-long California festival features a number of gorgeous balloons. On top of that, visitors have an opportunity to taste more than 20 different California wines, try some local beers, and dine on delicious cuisine.
The wine-barrel races add a unique flair to the event, the live performances are top-notch, and the onsite camping is super convenient.
Learn more about camping onsite.
Chester County Hot Air Balloon Festival
Kenneth Square, Pennsylvania
June 2025
Held in beautifully green Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania, the Chester County Hot Air Balloon Festival is another smaller event that is well worth checking out. The festival has been running since 1998 and runs for three days each year. It features plenty of balloons taking a couple of flights each day, as well as balloon rides, live music, vendors, a kids zone, and lots of food and drink.
There is no onsite camping for this event. Instead, consider staying at the nearby Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Holiday.
Lottery Festival of Ballooning
Readington, New Jersey
June 2025
Another festival that is well worth attending, the Lottery Festival of Ballooning is the biggest North American hot-air balloon festival that happens during the summer months. In addition to more than 100 gorgeous balloons, this event also features a number of incredible musicians. Some artists that have performed at the festival in the past include The Barenaked Ladies, The Jonas Brothers, and KC and the Sunshine Band.
There is no onsite camping for this event. Instead, consider staying at the nearby Mountain View Campground.
Teton Valley Balloon Rally
Driggs, Idaho
July 2025
Hoping for a summertime event? The Teton Valley Balloon Rally offers an excellent way to celebrate the Fourth of July. The Teton Mountains in the background add something extra special to the view of the balloons, and the fact that you can camp on the nearby field makes it easy to catch the early morning events. Other happenings during the festival include a pancake breakfast, a fiddling contest, and fireworks.
Learn more about camping onsite.
Float On!
As you can see, there are tons of amazing hot air balloon festivals all over the country. Why not choose one from the list above and plan your own magical hot air balloon RV getaway?
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