September is here! Among the many exciting events lined up for this month, ranging from Oktoberfest celebrations, fall activities, and early onset Halloween hijinx, is the sensational Plano Balloon Festival.
Flying from Thursday, September 18, to Sunday, September 21, the Plano Balloon Festival is a signature annual event held by the city otherwise known as the “balloon capital of Texas”. Now in its 46th year, the four-day festival is a vibrant celebration of flight, community, color, and music.
In addition to over 30 multi-colored hot air balloons taking flight, the festival features a wonderful array of other activities and activations at the festival including parachute exhibitions, live music, carnival rides, fireworks, artisan vendors, food trucks, and more!
The festival kicks off on the evening of Thursday, September 18th, at Oak Point Park / Red Tail Pavilion in Plano. The event will feature a parachuting demonstration followed by Balloon Glow, where the hot air balloons will fire up their burners resulting in a sensational giant lantern-in-the-sky effect. Balloon Glow takes place at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the festival.
Additionally, festival-goers can get a taste of the sky at the festival’s tethered rides. Here, patrons can board a Balloon Basket floating over the ground. Tickets are only available on-site, cash only.
Each day, save for Sunday, the festival will feature live music at the FOX4 Main Stage, including performances by Plano Symphony Orchestra Big Band Concert, Midtown 10, Plano Community Band, and Ice House Band.
Other featured events at the festival include nightly fireworks, a classic car show (on Saturday morning), and Shaolin Wu – Yi Institute performance (also Saturday morning).
Festival-goers will be able to get their fill of food trucks at the event, with options ranging from barbecue to corndogs, breakfast burritos, turkey legs, and more.
The Plano Balloon Festival takes place from September 18 – 21 at 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. Tickets are now available priced at $10 for adults, $5 for kids (3 – 12), and $5 Senior (65+). The festival is free to attend for all Military (with valid ID), First Responders (with ID) – including doctors, nurses, fire fighters, and police – and kids (36 inches and under).