The 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival Schedule: Plan for the Magic
When: September 17 - 20, 2026
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is one of the major highlights of fall in Upstate New York, with visitors from around the region flocking to the Glens Falls/Queensbury/Lake George area for this thrilling event!
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Adirondack Balloon Festival Schedul 2026
Note, the Downtown Glens Falls Block Party is returning ahead of Balloon Fest, on Wednesday the 16th!
Flight times are approximate and all activities are weather permitting.
Thursday, September 17 | Crandall Park, 600 Glen Street, Glens Falls
The festival's home-turf kickoff:
- 4-6 PM: Opening musical performance by Across the Pond
- 5 PM: Opening ceremonies, food vendors, kids' activities
- 5:30-6:15 PM: Up to 15 balloons take flight, some special shapes possible
- 7-9 PM: Evening musical performance by The Accents
- ~7:45 PM: Balloon Moonglow, with some special shapes
Friday, September 18 | Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, Queensbury
- 3 PM: Gates open — ZONTA Craft Fair (50+ vendors), kids' activities, food vendors
- 4-6 PM: Musical performance by The Newells
- 5-6:15 PM: Up to 70 balloons take flight, including special shapes
Saturday, September 19 | Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport
The festival's biggest day:
- 5 AM: Food vendors and Craft Fair open, kids' activities (bounce houses, crafts, games)
- 6:30 AM: Up to 80 balloons launch, including special shapes
- 2-4 PM: Musical performance by The Strand House Band
- 5-6:15 PM: Up to 50 more balloons take flight; several stay grounded for the evening moonglow
- 5-7pm: Musical performance by The Fortunate Sons
- 7:45 PM: "Lighting Up the Night" Airport Moonglow — 30-40 balloons
Sunday, September 20 | Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport (Morning Only)
- 5 AM: Food vendors, Craft Fair, and kids' activities open
- 6:30 AM: "Walter and Joan's Mass Ascension" — up to 80 balloons, including special shapes
- 10 AM: Gates close
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Adirondack Balloon Festival
How much does it cost to go to the Adirondack Balloon Festival?
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a free, family-friendly event. There is no charge for admission or parking. However, bring money if you’d like to enjoy food from local vendors or shop at the craft fair.
Can I book a hot air balloon ride at the festival?
Yes! Participating pilots will be offering balloon rides at the festival (subject to availability). You must book directly with the pilot to secure a ride. See info: https://adirondackballoonfest.org/balloon-rides/
Are pets allowed at the Adirondack Balloon Festival?
No pets are permitted at the Adirondack Balloon Festival.
What else is prohibited?
For safety reasons, smoking, drones, and remote-control aircraft are not permitted anywhere on the festival grounds.
From colorful mass ascensions at sunrise to dazzling moonglows at night, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings the whole community together. Mark your calendar for September 18–21, 2025, and get ready to experience the magic of hot air balloons soaring over the Adirondacks.
Visit AdirondackBalloonFest.org for more info >>
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