Every year, the city known as the Balloon Capital of Texas showcases incredible hot air balloons during a three-day festival. Complete with balloon launches, live music, a half marathon, 5K and 1K fun runs, and a variety of food and art vendors, this festival in Plano, Texas, is a family-friendly event that shouldn’t be missed.
The Plano Balloon Festival has been pleasing Texans for 40 years. This event is one of the largest festivals that takes place in Plano, drawing in more than 90,000 people. Now the festival not only strives to educate the public on hot air balloons but also works to raise funds for local nonprofits.
With affordable ticket prices, the Plano Balloon Festival is the perfect event to enjoy as a family. Over 40 hot air balloons are launched each day. Some portray beautiful colors, while others are in different shapes such as a butterfly or a bear.
Now the hot air balloons can’t fly during the day. Since hot air balloons need stable air to fly, and the sun creates thermal pockets in the air during the day, the hot air balloons are only launched at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the night launch.
The launching of the balloons is truly a sight to see. However, for those who actually want to ride in a hot air balloon, tethered rides will be offered during launch times. Therefore you can ride in a hot air balloon that lifts up to 30 feet high.
Saturday evening is a popular time for the Plano Balloon Festival not only because of the night launch but also for the fireworks display. Before the launch, enjoy a dazzling air display from a Texas-based parachute team, who jump straight from a plane and land right in the middle of the balloon launch field.
When the balloons aren’t in the air, there are still many things to see and do. Enjoy live music on two different stages, head to the kid’s zone for fun and inflatable rides and games, shop at the booths of local artisan vendors, or grab yourself a turkey leg or other delicious fair food that is available.
The Plano Balloon Festival is not your average festival. With a number of unique attractions, this one-of-a-kind event seems to have something for everyone. Embrace the ‘Balloon Capital of Texas’ by attending this family-friendly event every September.
Plano Balloon Festival Information:
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2019 Dates: Sept. 20-22
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Address: Oak Point Park, 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074
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Phone Number: (972) 867-7566
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Website: http://www.planoballoonfest.org/
