Virginia has beautiful landscapes and scenic views, which make it an ideal location for hot air balloon rides and summertime festivals.
Best Hot Air Balloon Festivals In Virginia
When attending a hot air balloon festival, it is important to check reviews from the year before. A few of the festivals below are no longer in operation. It is also important that the balloon pilots are certified and there are appropriate safety measures in place.
Balloons Over Rockbridge
Balloons Over Rockbridge is located in Lexington, Virginia. Lexington is about 1 hour from Charlottesville and about 3 hours from Washington DC.
This festival is great for the whole family. The hot air balloons are launched aross the scenic backdrop, creating a mesmerizing sight that everybody will love. They also have numerous food vendors on-site serving a variety of different treats to all guests.
The event in 2023 took place in early July. Ticket prices typically range from $10 to $20, with free or discounted admission for children under a certain age. Come for the balloon launches and stay for the live music, live entertainment, and amazing atmosphere. Check the website for the 2024 dates.
The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival is located in Bealeton, Virginia. This is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Washington DC and about 1 hour from McLean, Virginia.
The 2-day Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival is August 19-20 2023. The festival open at 06:00 AM! Visitors are encouraged to arrive just before showtime, the entry line backs up quickly. If you arrive after 12:00 PM you will likely end up waiting in a long line of cars to enter the airfield.
In addition to hot air balloons, airshows will also take place at 1:30 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Late afternoon and evening balloon launches usually happen between 6 and 8 pm. Many balloons offer tethered and chartered flights that have to be booked in advance. Regular admission to the Flying Circus is $20.
This festival is perfect for families, since it provides a thrilling and educational experience for all. In addition to the breathtaking balloon displays, kids can enjoy interactive activities that introduce them to aviation. Food vendors are also available during the event.
Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival
The Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival was previously held in Cordova, Maryland, but is now moving to Harford County, Maryland. Families can still look forward to this captivating experience. During this family-friendly event, your kids will be in awe as they watch the hot air balloon flights over the picturesque landscape. The exact location of the Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival can vary from year to year, but it’s always in the proximity of the Chesapeake Bay.
There are also tethered balloon rides, giving attendees a taste of the ballooning experience without leaving the ground. One of the highlights of the festival is the balloon glow, usually held in the evening. During this event, tethered balloons are illuminated from within, creating a magical and enchanting light display against the night sky.
Live music and performances often form part of the festival’s entertainment lineup. Various artists and bands, potentially local or from further afield, contribute to the festive atmosphere. A variety of merchandise vendors as well as a variety of food vendors are present at the festival. This gives visitors an opportunity to explore local products and crafts.
Given the festival’s location in a region known for its wineries and breweries, attendees might find wine and craft beer tasting stations, allowing them to sample local beverages.
The festival is typically a weekend event in August of each year with various activities and events scheduled throughout each day. Food vendors will be on hand as well with a variety of different food. Ticket prices are usually range from $15 to $30, with special rates for children and families.
Virginia Balloon Festival And Wine Festival
The Virginia Balloon Festival and Wine Festival is held annually in Doswell, Virginia, which is about an hour and a half drive from Charlottesville and is just south of Richmond, Virginia. It is where King’s Dominion Amusement Park is located.
This event offers a well-rounded experience for families. Kids can enjoy the spectacle of hot air balloons while adults partake in wine tastings. Various kid activities are available to keep the young ones entertained, and food vendors are there as well. Ticket prices for this festival typically start at $20, with additional costs for wine tasting and children’s activities.
Monticello Wine Trail Festival
The Monticello Wine Trail Festival is held in Charlottesville, Virginia. Sometimes this festival will include hot air balloon rides as part of the event, which are amazing for a romantic and fun time.
While the main focus is on celebrating the region’s wines, guests can occasionally enjoy the opportunity to soar in a hot air balloon. Food vendors offer great food from the area that contribute to the refined experience. Ticket prices for the Monticello Wine Trail Festival can vary depending on the package you choose, with some options including a hot air balloon ride at an additional cost.
There are many other opportunities to go hot air ballooning in this region near Charlottesville. The Monticello Country Ballooning company offers rides with certified pilots. So, if this is a bucket list item for you, you don’t need to wait for a festival to ride a hot air balloon.
Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival
The Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival takes place at the Historic Long Branch estate in Millwood, Virginia. The festival has been a staple for years, celebrating the beauty of hot air ballooning against the backdrop of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley.
The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia also has many vineyards and wineries. Because of this, the festival often features local wine tastings, so you can sample regional wines. Set against the backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley, the festival’s setting at the Historic Long Branch estate adds historical charm to the event. For future dates, contact the Historic Long Branch Estate, which also offers affordable wedding and event venues in the DMV area.
The Prince William Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Prince William County Hot Air Balloon Festival is located at the Prince William County Fairgrounds. It is an annual event that takes place in October and is a kid-friendly event. Families can gather to watch the graceful ascent of the beautiful hot air balloons and partake in activities designed for children.
A diverse selection of food trucks ensures that guests of all ages can indulge in delicious meals and treats. Ticket prices typically range from $10 to $25. The October 2022 faced significant criticism by people who had bought tickets but were unable to get close due to significant traffic congestion. There is little information available regarding future festivals.
Carroll County Balloon Festival
The Carroll County Balloon Festival is located in Westminster, Maryland. Families will love this kid-friendly event, since they will witness the colorful balloons filling the sky. Kid’s activities and entertainment add to the festival’s family appeal too.
They have food vendors on-site, however everyone is welcome to bring their own picnic baskets. Ticket prices for this festival usually start at $10, with reduced rates and special deals for children and families. According to their Facebook page, the last year for this unique experience was in 2021.
Hot Air Balloon Festivals In Virginia
Many Virginians enjoy taking their families to hot air balloon festivals. They include the Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival, The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival, and the Balloons Over Rockbridge Festival,
