When most people picture a hot air balloon festival, their minds drift out west to Albuquerque. But you don’t have to cross the country to watch the sky fill with color — North Carolina has a surprisingly rich ballooning tradition of its own, anchored by one of the oldest festivals in the entire United States. From the Piedmont to the foothills, here are the hot air balloon events lighting up North Carolina skies.

Founded in 1974, Carolina BalloonFest is the second-oldest hot air balloon festival in the United States — and in 2025 it celebrated an incredible 50 years of flight. Held each fall just outside Statesville in Troutman, NC, it has brought generations of families together with vibrant balloon launches, special-shape balloons, and Southern charm.

Here’s what makes it a must-see:

• Mass ascensions of 50+ colorful balloons taking flight
• Magical after-dark balloon glows
• Fan-favorite special-shape balloons
• Live music, a wine & craft beer garden, and a family fun zone
• A Balloon Chasers 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
• On-site RV camping — wake up right next to the morning ascension

There’s real heart behind the spectacle, too. Run by the nonprofit National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc., Carolina BalloonFest has given more than $1,000,000 back to Iredell County nonprofits over the decades — so every ticket helps support the local community.

Plan your visit: Statesville and Troutman offer everything from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to familiar hotel chains, and RV spots tend to fill quickly in the fall. Learn more at the official Carolina BalloonFest site, or see it on our events calendar.

Over in the Piedmont, the ALCOVETS Balloon Festival brings hot air balloons to Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC for a weekend of launches, glows, and family fun. It’s a wonderful reason to head to central North Carolina and catch balloons closer to the Triad. For the latest dates and details, check our ALCOVETS Balloon Festival listing.

Whether you’re chasing the golden legacy of Carolina BalloonFest or discovering balloons over Burlington, North Carolina is a wonderful place to look up. Browse all upcoming North Carolina balloon events — with dates, locations, and details — and grab our free Festival Bucket List before you plan your trip.