STATESVILLE, N.C.- The 50th Carolina BalloonFest will be held Oct. 17-19. The event is organized by National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. DBA Carolina BalloonFest, a non-profit that supports local charities while keeping the tradition of hot-air ballooning alive.
On Friday and Saturday, balloon launches are scheduled between 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Evening Balloon Glow will follow from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and a drone show will close out Friday night beginning at 7:45 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, competition launches are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. A pilot meet-and-greet will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., with additional launches planned from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Between launches, visitors can visit the NC Wine Garden, watch the Dare Devil Dog Show or enjoy the live music. Performances include: Bing Futch, The Chain, Albannach, LeeD Not Follow, The Non Prophets, Darrell Hardwood, On The Border, Randall Sprinkle, Coddle Creek, The Get Right Band and N-Spire Band.
The Kids Zone will feature Ninja Nation from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. all three days . Mr. Marvel’s Magic Shows will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Interactive Theater of Jef will perform at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Food vendors will include: Bushcraft BBQ, Gus’ Greek Food, Karas Grill, The Local Lemon, The Celtic Monkey and St. Popperville.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets; unopened bottled water and small snacks are permitted. All bags will be checked at the gate.
Two balloon ride options are available. Tethered rides raise passengers 30-50 feet in the air for three to five minutes at a cost of $20 per person. Untethered flights can be booked in advance through the event’s website.
Admission for ages 13 and older is $15 on Friday, $25 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Children ages 7 to 10 are $10 each day. Weekend passes are $50 for adults and $25 for children. Admission is free for children 6 and under.
