This fantastic hot air balloon fest occurs every year during the third weekend in September.

Here is what to expect for the Plano Balloon Festival:

Thursday, September 17th

Kick off the festival with an unforgettable opening night filled with music, color, and excitement. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to explore the festival grounds before the RE/MAX Sky Divers make their thrilling descent at 6:00 p.m. As the sun sets, enjoy a special performance by the Plano Symphony Orchestra on the FOX4 Main Stage beginning at 7:30 p.m., followed by the breathtaking Balloon Glow (weather permitting). The evening concludes with the spectacular Pyrotex Fireworks Show presented by BMW at 8:45 p.m. before the festival closes at 10:00 p.m.

Friday, September 18th

Friday night brings nonstop entertainment with live music, aerial excitement, and dazzling festival traditions. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., and the Midtown 10 Band gets the party started with a DJ set at 5:30 p.m. before taking the FOX4 Main Stage for multiple live performances throughout the evening. The RE/MAX Sky Divers return at 6:00 p.m., followed by the iconic Balloon Glow presented by RE/MAX at 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Cap off the night with the Pyrotex Fireworks Show presented by BMW at 9:00 p.m., then keep the celebration going with one final Midtown 10 Band performance before the festival closes at 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 19th

Experience the festival from sunrise to nightfall on Saturday, the event’s biggest day. Early risers can witness the breathtaking Balloon Launch beginning at 7:00 a.m. (weather permitting) after gates open at 6:00 a.m. Return in the evening for live performances by the Ice House Band on the FOX4 Main Stage, with multiple sets throughout the night. The RE/MAX Sky Divers soar overhead at 6:00 p.m., followed by the beautiful Balloon Glow presented by H-E-B | Central Market at 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting). End the evening with the spectacular Pyrotex Fireworks Show presented by Thomas J Henry at 9:00 p.m. before enjoying one last concert and wrapping up the festivities at 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 20th

Close out the festival with one final chance to witness one of its most beloved traditions. Gates and parking lots open at 6:00 a.m., with the colorful Balloon Launch taking to the skies at 7:00 a.m. (weather permitting). It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of dozens of hot air balloons rising together at sunrise and to celebrate an unforgettable weekend of family fun, live entertainment, and community tradition.

Please note hot-air balloon launches, displays, glows and tethered rides may be restricted due to adverse weather conditions or wind speeds that exceed safety levels. Hot-air balloons are ONLY in the Park during scheduled balloon displays and are NOT present in the park between 9am and 7pm.

If in the unlikely event the Festival is suspended or cancelled due to inclement weather, city, state, national, or local health concerns/restrictions, force majeure or other causes beyond Festival control there will be no refunds or a rescheduled date.

Tickets

The Plano Balloon Festival is cashless for Parking, Admission Tickets, and Kids Fun Zone ride tickets, so make sure you use a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay.

Ticket prices are as follows:

$10 – Adult Ticket
$ 5 – Kids 3-12 years old
$ 5 – Seniors 65 and older
Free for Kids 36 inches and under
Free for all Military, including retired, with valid ID (Valid for ID Holder Only. Limit 1 Ticket per ID.)

$10 – Off-site Parking and $15 Prime Parking
$20 – All Day Kids Fun Zone Ride Wristband
$2.50-$5 – Per Ride Kids Fun Zone
$20 – Kids Ages 6-12 Tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride
$30 – Tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride ($20 for children ages 6-12)