Did you know that Statesville, North Carolina, hosts the second-oldest hot-air-balloon festival in the United States? The Carolina BalloonFest is held annually on the third weekend in October.
The festival began in 1974 and has grown into a major annual attraction for Statesville and Iredell County. This year’s celebration marks its 51st event, bringing together balloon pilots, families, photographers, vendors, and visitors who look forward to it every October.
There’s something about seeing a field full of hot-air balloons that makes you feel like a kid again. The colors, the enormous balloons slowly filling with air, the sound of the burners, and then watching those beautiful things lift into the sky. It’s quite a sight!
If you’re coming to Statesville for the festival, visiting family, or attending a wedding nearby, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Here’s what you need to know before you go, along with a few ideas for making a whole weekend out of your visit to our corner of North Carolina.
This image is a photo of a mural painted on a wall in the 1990’s by my husband, Patrick D. Waldron. His drawing is fanciful with a tiny yellow 1812 Hitching Post log cabin in the background and giant bunny in the foreground. I love the reflection in the water of the pink balloon. It reminds me a little of the balloon in the Wizard of Oz.
Can You Still Get Tickets for This Weekend?
Carolina BalloonFest runs Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Tickets are sold through the official festival website. However, availability is changing, and the current ticket listing shows Saturday and Sunday admission as sold out. Check the official page right away for any remaining Friday tickets or updates.
Get the latest information here: Official Carolina BalloonFest Tickets
The published admission prices before fees are:
- Friday adult admission: $15
- Saturday adult admission: $25
- Sunday adult admission: $20
- Children ages 7–12: $10 per day
- Children ages 6 and under: Free
- Adult three-day pass: $50
- Child three-day pass: $25
Online checkout fees may apply, and parking is separate. Don’t count on being able to buy a ticket at the gate without checking first. Know a Scout? The local Scouts are a good source for ticket information.
What Will You See and Do at Carolina BalloonFest?
The balloons are the stars of the show, but there’s much more happening throughout the weekend.
Watch the Balloons Take Flight
This is the part everyone hopes to see!
The festival schedules balloon flights during the early morning and late afternoon, when conditions are generally best for flying. Watching the balloons inflate is fascinating, and seeing them rise together against the autumn sky is a sight you’ll remember.
Saturday and Sunday also have scheduled morning flyovers, with a launch window of approximately 8:30–9:30 a.m.
One important thing to know: balloons don’t stay in the air all day. Wind and weather determine whether pilots can fly safely, so check the official schedule and announcements before you head out.
See the Evening Balloon Glow
If the weather cooperates, the evening balloon glow is another highlight. The balloons are illuminated by their burners, creating a colorful display as daylight fades.
It’s a photographer’s dream, and even if you aren’t carrying a camera, it’s a wonderful sight to experience in person.
Take a Tethered Balloon Ride
Want to experience a balloon without taking a full flight?
Tethered rides are offered at the festival for a separate fee. The published price is $20 per person, with rides generally lasting three to five minutes and reaching approximately 30–50 feet.
Rides are first-come, first-served and weather-dependent. Bring cash, and check the festival’s current information before making this part of your plans.
Full balloon flights are a separate experience, require reservations, and cost considerably more.
Enjoy Live Music, Food and Shopping
You can spend time listening to live entertainment, sampling food from festival vendors, and browsing the Artisan Village and marketplace.
There is also a Kids Zone, along with a wine and beer garden for adults. It’s easy to spend several hours wandering around, eating something good, and taking in the atmosphere.
Plan for Parking and Walking
The festival grounds are grassy, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Bring a camera, a lawn chair or blanket, and a light jacket for the cooler morning and evening temperatures.
Free Park & Ride shuttle service is offered from the Iredell County Fairgrounds at 630 N. Main Street in Troutman. On-site parking is also available according to the festival’s current parking arrangements.
Before leaving home, check the Know Before You Go page for parking, permitted items, accessibility information, and schedule changes.
Visiting Statesville for a Wedding? Make a Weekend of It!
Here’s something out-of-town visitors may not realize: there’s a lot to enjoy around Statesville beyond the festival grounds.
If you’re coming to Iredell County for a wedding at the historic 1812 Hitching Post in Harmony, North Carolina, Carolina BalloonFest could be a fun addition to your trip.
The 1812 Hitching Post is located at 2463 Turnersburg Highway, approximately 8 miles north of Statesville. Our historic property sits on 26 acres of countryside, with a lake, mature trees, lawns, and a historic home. We’re close enough to Statesville that wedding guests can enjoy local attractions while staying in town.
Imagine arriving Friday, exploring the festival or downtown Statesville, and spending time with family before the wedding. Or, if the wedding is Friday or Saturday, perhaps you can extend your visit and enjoy the festival on another day.
Just be sure to coordinate your plans with the wedding couple so you don’t miss the rehearsal, ceremony, or other family activities!
And if you’re visiting from Charlotte, Lake Norman, Winston-Salem, or farther away, you may find that a little extra time in the area makes the trip even more enjoyable.
Learn more about our historic wedding venue at 1812HitchingPost.com.
Where Should Guests Stay Near the 1812 Hitching Post?
For visotors traveling to Harmony, Statesville is a convenient place to look for a hotel. Several familiar hotel brands are clustered around the I-77 and I-40 interchange, generally about 8–12 minutes from the 1812 Hitching Post.
Here is a helpful starting point for guests who need a place to stay near the venue.
If you’re planning to attend both the festival and a wedding, think about where you’ll be spending most of your time. A hotel in Statesville can put you within reach of the festival, restaurants, shopping, and the drive to Harmony.
Not Going to the Festival? Here Are Some Other Things to Do!
Maybe tickets aren’t available for the day you wanted. Maybe crowds aren’t your thing. Or maybe you simply want to see a little more of our area while you’re visiting.
You still have plenty of choices!
Explore Local History at Fort Dobbs
History lovers can visit Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, where you can learn about North Carolina during the French and Indian War era.
It’s a fascinating way to spend part of a day and discover a little more about the history of the region. Check current hours and programs before visiting.
Take a Walk at Lake Norman State Park
If you’d rather be outside enjoying the fall weather, Lake Norman State Park offers trails, lake scenery, and opportunities to spend time in nature.
Pack a picnic, bring your camera, or simply enjoy a little fresh air. Sometimes a quiet afternoon is just what you need.
Spend Some Time Downtown Statesville
Downtown Statesville is worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Browse the local shops, find a place to eat, and enjoy the historic character of the town.
It’s an easy option for couples or families who want a relaxed afternoon without committing to a full-day attraction.
Take a Country Drive
One of my favorite things about this part of North Carolina is how quickly you can get away from busy roads and into the countryside.
We are close to waterfalls and an Amish community – check out Shiloh’s General Store.
Discover places barely touched with time in this part of North Carolina.
You’ll see why so many people love North Carolina. As my younger son says, “It has everything!” We have mountains, beaches, waterfalls, four seasons, music, dancing, and lots of museums and culture
Come Enjoy Fall in Iredell County!
Whether you’re heading to Carolina BalloonFest, coming to town for a wedding, or simply looking for something different to do this weekend, October is a wonderful time to explore Statesville and the surrounding countryside.
The balloons are certainly worth seeing if you can get tickets and the weather cooperates. With this year’s festival marking the end of its current location, there’s an extra reason to make time for it.
And if you’re visiting for a wedding at the 1812 Hitching Post, we hope you’ll enjoy more than just the wedding day. Stay a little longer, explore Statesville, take in the fall scenery, and make a few memories of your own.
After all, sometimes the best part of traveling is discovering something wonderful you didn’t know was right around the corner.
Happy fall, y’all!
Before you go: Confirm current admission availability, balloon flight schedules, parking arrangements, and festival rules at CarolinaBalloonFest.com. Balloon flights and glows depend on safe weather conditions.
