There’s nothing quite as magical as a billowy rainbow of hot air balloons flying high overhead. Whether it’s the kaleidoscope or colors, or the soothing sights and sounds of their fiery glow, hot air balloons always seem to spark a sense of awe and wonder in kids and adults alike.
You and your family can make magical memories this festival season, with a visit to one of these amazing Tennessee hot air balloon festivals. They’re closer than you think!
Although most of the festivals are located in East Tennessee, there are a couple festivals in the Nashville area as well.
For your convenience the festivals are listed with the earliest date first. As always, you can verify all information and get additional details, by clicking any of the blue event links.
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What to Bring
- cash for at-gate tickets and vendor purchases
- camp chairs or picnic blanket for sitting
- natural bug repellent
Nashville Tennessee Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Franklin Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Date: May 5, 2019
- Location: West Haven Town Center, 1001 Westhaven Boulevard, Franklin, TN 37064
- Cost: $20/per person
In addition to a hot air balloon glow at dusk, attendees will enjoy live music, craft vendors, food trucks, a beer tent, and more!
Nashville Victory Cup Balloon Glow
- Date: June 21-22, 2019
- Location: Fontanel, 4125 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN
- Cost: $20/per person
In addition to a stunning after-dark balloon glow, there will be a polo match, food and drink festival, vendors, music, and more!
East Tennessee Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Summer Fun Fest
- Date: July 12-20, 2019
- Location: Kingsport, TN
- Cost: varies by event
This festival is over a week long and features new events each day. In addition to in-flight balloons and an after-dark balloon glow, events include an 8k run, multiple concerts, games, vendors, an outdoor movie, fishing derby and more!
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Date: August 17, 2019
- Location: Townsend Visitors Center, 7906 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN
- Cost: $20/per car advanced purchased, $25/per car at the gate
This festival does not feature in-flight balloons. Instead the main event is the tethered balloon glow that takes place after dark. In addition to the glow, there will also be food trucks, wine and beer tastings, music, and artisan vendors.
Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta
- Date: August 31 & September 1, 2019
- Location: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 TN-360, Vonore, TN 37885
- Cost: $10/per person, under 4 is FREE
The largest of all the balloon festivals, this event features 20 colorful balloons both in-flight and at the peaceful after-dark balloon glow. There will also be food trucks, live music, games, a kids zone, and more! You can also tour the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum for a small additional fee.
Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest
- Date: October 26 & 27, 2019
- Location: Chilton Farm, 715 Hwy 113, White Pine, TN
- Cost: $20/per car advanced purchase, $30/per car at gate
This stunning fall event will feature 15 balloons, with 10 flying high over Douglas Lake. After the flight session, festival attendees will be treated to a balloon glow against the evening sky. In addition to balloons, the festival will feature food trucks, music, activities, wine tastings, and vendors.
Books to Share
Read alouds are a great way to bond with your kids, while helping them boost their academic performance in all areas. The hot air balloon themed books below will make awesome additions to your festival fun!
- Up and Away!: How Two Brothers Invented the Hot-Air Balloon – The true and totally captivating story of the first hot air balloon.
- Sally’s Great Balloon Adventure – When Sally the black Lab follows her nose, she accidentally winds up on a sky high adventure.
- Sebastian and the Balloon – A wonderful story of adventure, imagination, and one kid’s patchwork hot air balloon.
- Hot-Air Balloons Coloring Book
