Hot Air Balloon Festivals in New England
Are you looking for an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring sights and exhilarating adventures? Look no further than the hot air balloon festivals in New England! From Vermont to Connecticut, these festivals offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the region from high above. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular hot air balloon festivals in New England and why they should be at the top of your bucket list.
The Magic of Hot Air Balloons
There is something truly magical about hot air balloons. The colorful, towering giants floating gracefully in the sky evoke a sense of wonder and excitement like no other. As you watch these majestic balloons take flight, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of the world below. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned balloon enthusiast, attending a hot air balloon festival in New England is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Why New England?
New England is known for its picturesque scenery, charming villages, and vibrant fall foliage. What better way to experience the region’s natural beauty than from the basket of a hot air balloon? From the rolling hills of Vermont to the rocky coast of Maine, each state in New England offers its own unique landscape to explore from above. Whether you’re soaring over colorful forests ablaze with autumn leaves or drifting gently above sparkling lakes and rivers, a hot air balloon ride in New England is sure to take your breath away.

Great Falls Balloon Festival, Maine
The Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston, Maine, is one of the largest and most popular hot air balloon festivals in New England. Held annually in August, this festival attracts balloonists from all over the country to showcase their stunning balloons against the backdrop of the Androscoggin River. In addition to balloon rides and night glow displays, the festival features live music, craft vendors, and delicious food trucks, making it a fun-filled event for the whole family.

Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival, Vermont
The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival in Quechee, Vermont, is another must-visit event for hot air balloon enthusiasts. Held in June against the backdrop of the Quechee Gorge, known as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon, this festival offers scenic balloon rides, live music performances, craft vendors, and delicious local food. Whether you’re admiring the colorful balloons in flight or taking a leisurely stroll through the craft fair, the Quechee festival promises a day of fun and excitement for all.
New England Balloon Festivals
Connecticut
Dates: August 2025
Location: Norton Park, Plainville, Connecticut
Every August, Norton Park gears up for The Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival; Connecticut’s premiere hot air balloon festival.
Between the breathtaking sunset hot air balloon displays against the gorgeous backdrop of Norton Park in Plainville, Connecticut, attendees are in for a weekend of captivating sights and family-friendly fun completely free of charge.
Dates: August 2025
Location: The Guilford Fairgrounds. Guilford, Connecticut
The beauty of hot air balloons mixes with truly awesome laser light displays that illuminate the night sky at this festive celebration.
Maine
Dates: August 2025
Location: Northern Maine Fair Association, Presque Isle, Maine
The Balloon Festival place at the Northern Maine Fair Association grounds. This festival offers quite a beautiful backdrop as colorful hot air balloons dazzle the skies against Maine’s stunning landscapes.
Sunrise launches and dazzling evening glows, and attendees can marvel at the magic of hot air ballooning.
Dates: September 19th to 21st, 2025
Location: 46 Beech St, Lewiston, Maine
This festival promises a weekend filled with wonder as hot air balloons of all shapes, colors and sizes soar over the picturesque Great Falls region.
Organizers have not yet announced the dates and ticket information, this long-awaited event is sure to be a highlight of the summer. Check back for updates on ticket availability.
Massachusetts
Dates: June 2025
Location: Franklin County Fairgrounds, Greenfield, MA
Attendees can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and look on as beautiful, colorful balloons take flight at sunrise and sunset against the picturesque backdrop of the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield Massachusetts. Green River Festival promises a weekend filled with music, food, and, of course, the enchanting sight of hot air balloons filling the sky.

Air Balloon Glow & Laser Show
Dates: July 2025
Location: Topsfield Fairgrounds. Topsfield, Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Dates: August 1 – August 3, 2025
Location: Drake Field, Pittsfield, New Hampshire
The Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally, Taking place at Drake Field in Pittsfield, promises a weekend jam-packed with excitement and wonder.
This beloved event allows attendees the unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of colorful balloons ascending at sunrise and sunset.
Dates: July 2025
Location: Grimes Field. Hillsborough, New Hampshire
Come for the weekend and explore Hillsborough’s many small town attractions. The thrill of the weekend is the Hot Air Balloons piloted and crewed by regional balloon enthusiasts. Balloon flights over New Hampshire’s beautiful Monadnock Region are available to the general public along with tethered flights for the more cautious.
Vermont
Dates: June 20 – June 22 2025 (Father’s Day Weekend)
Location: Village Green, Quechee, Vermont
Join us the weekend of June 20th-22nd, 2025 when the skies over the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire fill with hot air balloons during the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England.
This festival captivates visitors each year with its gorgeous display of bright, colorful balloons against the backdrop of Vermont’s lush greenery. Look forward to three days filled with wonder and excitement as balloons gracefully ascend into the sky.
With live music, delicious food, and a variety of family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.