Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival

Name: Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival
Start: 2026-08-21
End: 2026-08-21
Location: Lewiston

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, Maine's first hot air balloon festival, will hold its 31st annual event on Friday, August 21, 2026. The festival takes place in Lewiston and Auburn, with the main site located at Simard-Payne Memorial Park.

Date: Aug 21, 2026
Location: Lewiston

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Event summary

Highlights

31st annual hot air balloon festival
Located at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston and Auburn
First hot air balloon festival in Maine
Known for uniting the Twin Cities community

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is an annual hot air balloon event recognized as the first of its kind in Maine. Scheduled for its 31st edition on Friday, August 21, 2026, the festival is primarily held at Simard-Payne Memorial Park, spanning across the Twin Cities of Lewiston and Auburn.

First launched in 1993, the festival was initiated by founders who recognized the favorable wind patterns in the area for hot air ballooning. Despite initial skepticism, the event successfully grew, attracting pilots from across the country and drawing large crowds, with an estimated 100,000 attendees in 1996. The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.

Historically, the festival has brought significant economic benefits to the region, contributing millions to local businesses. It is also credited with fostering unity between the two cities by utilizing the riverfront for activities, encouraging residents to rediscover their shared natural spaces.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Simard-Payne Memorial Park; www.pressherald.com
Area for browsing nearby events: Lewiston

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.