Experience the Magic of the 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival
Adirondack Balloon Festival Dates: September 17 - 20, 2026
The 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place in the Lake George/Glens Falls/Queensbury region, and is the can't-miss fall festival of the season in the southern Adirondacks!
Stay tuned for the 2026 festival details as the schedule is announced!
Balloon Rides: What to Know
Balloon rides at the festival are subject to availability. Secure a balloon ride today by booking one with a participating pilot!
Link: https://adirondackballoonfest.org/balloon-rides/
Please note:
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is subject to weather conditions and flight times are approximate.
There are no dogs, drones, remote control aircraft, or smoking allowed at any festival events. VIP parking passes are sold out.
Visit AdirondackBalloonFest.org for up-to-date information, and follow The Official Adirondack Balloon Festival on Facebook - they are great at communicating any last-minute changes or updates!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Adirondack Balloon Festival
When is the Adirondack Balloon Festival?
The 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place September 17-20 in Queensbury and Glens Falls.
Where is the Adirondack Balloon Festival held?
The main events/launches are at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, and Crandall Park in Glens Falls.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
It's free! Parking is also free but fills up fast - it's recommended to arrive 1 1/2 hours before launch time for the airport launches.
Do the balloons always fly?
They do not. Because of weather conditions and making safety a priority, sometimes the balloons don't go up. You can often still enjoy seeing the balloons blown up, just not launching. It's recommended to plan to attend more than one launch during the event, to up your chances of seeing balloons in flight. Morning flights are more reliable than the afternoon one that takes place at Crandall Park.
Can I take a hot air balloon ride at the festival?
You can, but this needs to be arranged/booked with an individual pilot beforehand, which you can do at the festival website. There's also typically one tethered balloon that takes riders at the festival, just up into the air a bit, not completely launching. The fee for either of these options is usually around $25.
Can I bring my dog?
No, it is not allowed. Please abide by this. The festival organizers do a lot for this event, including working hard to keep everyone informed on flight updates via Facebook. Let's help them out!
Can I bring a drone?
No, this is not allowed, not just because of the balloons but because the majority of launches take place at an airport.
Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
Yes! This is encouraged. Early morning launches can be colder than expected, as everyone is usually still in summer mode come mid September, and daytime temps are still warm.
What's the Moonglow?
The Moonglow is a stationary nighttime display in which the balloons are inflated and their burners illuminate them in a synchronized show. They don't fly.
Is there food? Bathrooms?
Food, bathrooms, and plenty of vendors and kids activities, like a bounce house!
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