US Upcoming

Adirondack Balloon Festival

Name: Adirondack Balloon Festival
Start: 2026-09-17
End: 2026-09-20
Location: Queensbury

The 53rd annual Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place from September 17 to September 20, 2026, featuring mass balloon launches and evening moonglow displays in the Glens Falls and Queensbury area. This free community event combines spectacular hot air balloon flights with live music, a large craft fair, and family-friendly activities across two primary venues.

Date: Sep 17-20, 2026
Location: Queensbury
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Mass balloon ascensions featuring up to 80 balloons
Light Up The Night airport moonglow display
Craft fair with more than 50 vendors
Walter and Joan’s Mass Ascension on Sunday morning

The festival begins on Thursday afternoon at Crandall Park in Glens Falls with opening ceremonies, local food vendors, and a smaller flight of approximately 15 balloons, concluding with a sunset moonglow. From Friday through Sunday, the event shifts to the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury. Early morning mass ascensions of up to 80 balloons are a highlight on Saturday and Sunday, with flights starting around 6:30 a.m.

Beyond the aerial displays, the airport grounds host a craft fair with over 50 vendors, bounce houses, and various children's games. Saturday evening features the "Light Up The Night" airport moonglow, where dozens of balloons remain grounded while illuminated. The final day concludes with the "Walter and Joan’s Mass Ascension" before the event wrap-up at 10:00 a.m.

Admission and parking are free for all attendees, though visitors are encouraged to arrive early during peak morning and afternoon windows to manage traffic. Due to safety regulations involving propane, smoking and drones are strictly prohibited on the grounds. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals which must have proof of rabies vaccination.

Practical details

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.