Carolina BalloonFest - Statesville, North Carolina

D M.

We had a blast at the balloon fest Friday night, October 2024

Didn’t know what to expect as this was our first time and the reviews on Google weren’t so great, but we had a fabulous time. There was 10 of us; 4 adults, six teenagers and we got the basic ticket $20 ticket for Friday that had the shuttle ride from the Troutman fairground parking area. The weather was absolutely perfect. For those that have never been, there are two separate events where the hot air balloons are inflated. The first event, hot air balloons are inflated and they actually take off and this happens around 5:30. The second event, the balloons are inflated around dusk time, but they don’t takeoff. They are lit up like luminaries; it’s really pretty.

We got there early to the parking area about 230 or so. At the entrance of the event, the vendor booths start to the left and kind of curve around the outside boundary of the area from the left to the right. There’s a depressed sunken area in the middle- left where the balloons are inflated. During the takeoff event, they kind of want to keep all the people out of this area and around the upper edge of this field. Across the balloon area on the other side is where the $10 tethered balloon rides. If you see the balloon Odyssey, hot air balloon, or the red and white checkered balloon, Go get in line if you want to balloon ride because the line gets long.

We had a great time.

Raye T.

Grandsons, my friends and I were more than pleasantly surprised and truly enjoyed the flight of these gorgeous balloons after full of hot sun (we arrived at 10am). My boys loved everything! The food vendors' prices were a little crazy--$11 corn dog and $15 bag of popcorn were a bit over the top! Glad we brought our own snacks. Still, we had a great time and plan a repeat performance next year, God willing ❤️

Kaitlin L.

$25 per ticket. $15 for parking, paid in advance when we bought the tickets for the last day of the festival . Waited in about 6-8 min line to get through to the road into the venue. Went around 2:30 so we got to park right near the entrance. Volunteers directing traffic so obviously it isn't a tight operation but it's not rocket science to follow the car in front of you and park. Plenty of "fair food" available. Beer/wine garden was cool. Pop up shops are your run of the mill small businesses. Weather permitted the mass accession which was cool to see. We left about 5:30 and it was simple to get out, no traffic. I'd say this was a cool experience but once you've done it there is no need to return.

Charles A.

At first this seemed rather lame. We arrived a little after 2. No hot air balloons in sight. Traffic was chaotic to say the least. Besides the music at the stage, there wasn't much going on. A hot day standing out in a field. After 5 the balloons were showing up and taking off. There were teether rides which were reasonably priced and the balloons were incredible. Lots of photo ops.

Jeff T.

This was only the second time there, 15 years apart, and it didn't disappoint. Bands were great. Food selection was good. Balloon ascension and glow up was a joy to watch. If you go definitely buy general parking pass, it was worth the $15.

K E. R.

Beautiful event! 🎈we had no issues whatsoever, just make sure you read instructions on the website and get a parking ticket ahead of time and you’ll be good! We got there at 2:30 pm on Saturday and traffic was not bad at all, found parking easily!

Samantha G.

I had an awesome time and met some great people. The entire event was amazing and I highly recommend going if you've never been, and it's great for families. Lots to see and do. My family and I will gladly attend next year once again.

Jessica J.

Have been going to Balloonfest for years! Always a wonderful family friendly experience! My kids adored the Mr. Marvel magic show and the traveling clown. The bounce houses are so much fun for the little ones and well monitored by volunteers. The volunteers are so helpful. The adults in our group loved the variety of the music acts. We look forward to coming every year, as this festival has something for everyone. This year we glamped on the family RV and had a great experience. The pamphlet, website and daily emails have done a beautiful job year after year of outlining the days events. We were there over the 3 days and saw all the balloons advertised many, many times. To see the mass accession get there by 7 AM and again at 4 PM. The wind and weather always play a roll but year after year we have LOVED and will continue to recommend and support the Carolina Balloonfest! Thanks for all you do!