The Plano Balloon Festival is held every year in Plano, Texas, across from the Spring Creek Camps of Collin College.
This is a great celebration that fills the skies with a kaleidoscope of colors and brings joy to families and children. Kids love the array of colors in the sky and on the ground.
With its captivating hot air balloons, exciting activities, and engaging entertainment, the festival offers a magical experience for kids!
Here’s your full guide to the Plano Balloon Festival 2024:
Mesmerizing Hot Air Balloons
The highlight of the Plano Balloon Festival is, of course, the hot air balloons.
Kids are often in awe as they watch the giant balloons inflate, taking on their full, vibrant forms. The morning and evening balloon launches are a sight to see, with dozens of balloons taking to the sky. The special shapes, like animals and cartoon characters, are particularly enchanting for children.
The colorful balloons offer a perfect opportunity for families to capture memorable photos.
Tip: Bring your chair to put on the hill to get the best spot to watch the balloons launch.
Balloon Glow Events
As the sun sets, the festival grounds transform into a magical wonderland with the Balloon Glow events.
During these events, the balloons remain tethered to the ground and light up simultaneously, creating a stunning display of glowing orbs against the night sky.
All the balloons will light up for the nightly display, and then the ropes will drop for everyone to come out and see the balloons closer. Having a VIP pass will get you on the field earlier, allowing you to experience the glow right above you.
Seeing the balloons light up against the backdrop of night is truly amazing!
The Plano Ballon Festival’s Kid’s Fun Zone
The Kid’s Fun Zone is a dedicated area designed to keep children entertained with a variety of activities.
The 2024 Fun Zone includes:
- Inflatables
- Carnival rides
- Craft stations
- Games for different age groups
Whether it’s bouncing on a giant inflatable slide, riding a merry-go-round, or trying their hand at carnival games, kids have a blast!
The Festival offers tickets to each ride or an option to get a band to ride all the rides.
Tip: Come early, as the lines can get long.
Parachute Team Demonstrations
The parachute team demonstrations are another thrilling highlight of the Plano Balloon Festival.
Professional skydivers perform breathtaking stunts and formations as they descend from the sky, trailing colorful smoke.
Watching the precision and skill of the parachute teams can be an inspiring experience for kids, showing them the possibilities of adventure sports.
Live Entertainment and Music
The Plano Balloon Festival 2024 features a variety of live entertainment, including music performances, dance shows, and more!
The main stage hosts family-friendly acts that keep the energy high throughout the day. Kids can enjoy singing along to popular songs, dancing to lively tunes, and watching engaging performances.
Food and Treats
No festival is complete without delicious food, and the 2024 Plano Balloon Festival doesn’t disappoint.
The grounds are lined with food vendors offering a wide array of locally made treats. From classic fair food like corn dogs and funnel cakes to ice cream and cotton candy, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Parents can also find healthier options and meals to keep the whole family fueled for a day of fun.
Tethered Balloon Rides
For kids who dream of floating among the clouds, tethered balloon rides offer a safe and exciting way to experience ballooning.
These rides allow children (and their parents) to rise 20-30 feet off the ground while remaining securely tethered. This will give them a taste of what it’s like to be in a hot air balloon.
Tip: There is only one balloon doing the tethered rides, so come early. There are 10-15 per basket, depending on age and size.
Face Painting and Balloon Artists
Adding to the festival fun, face painting and balloon artists are a big hit with kids. Talented face painters transform children into their favorite animals, superheroes, or characters with colorful and creative designs.
Meanwhile, balloon artists twist and shape balloons into whimsical creations like animals, hats, and swords.
Fireworks Display
The grand finale of the festival is the spectacular fireworks display.
As night falls, the sky is lit up with a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, creating a dazzling show that leaves everyone in awe. The fireworks are a great display to end the day at the event.
Tips for Families Attending the Plano Balloon Festival 2024
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, arrive early to catch the morning balloon launch and avoid the crowds.
- Stay Hydrated: Texas can be hot, so make sure to bring water bottles to keep everyone hydrated.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will ensure that kids can enjoy all the activities without discomfort.
- Bring a Camera or your phone: There are countless photo opportunities, so don’t forget your camera to capture the magical moments.
- Plan for the Day: Check the festival schedule in advance to plan which events and activities you want to attend.
The Plano Balloon Festival 2024 is a magical event that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for kids.
From the awe-inspiring sight of hot air balloons taking to the sky to the fun and educational activities on the ground, there’s something to captivate every child.
Looking for more family fun in DFW this fall? Check out the FREE DFW Fall Fest.
Frequently Asked Questions: Plano Balloon Festival 2024
When is the Plano Balloon Festival 2024?
The 2024 Plano Balloon Festival will be Thursday, September 19 – Sunday, September 22!
How much does it cost to get to the Plano Balloon Festival?
The admission fee is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 3-12 and seniors 65+, and free for kiddos 36″ and under.
What is the Plano Balloon Festival 2024 address?
The address is 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074.
How many people attend the Plano Balloon Festival?
In 2022, about 100,500 balloon enthusiasts floated in, making it a top-five turnout in the Festival’s 41-year history! 🥳🎈
