12 Colorful Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Texas

Looking for hot air balloon festivals in Texas? This is a list of where to find Texas hot air balloons.

Seeing majestic hot air balloons in person is arguably on most people’s travel bucket list. And for good reason! Defying gravity and gaining a bird’s eye view of the city is an amazing opportunity.

But you don’t have to travel far to make your dreams come true! Fortunately, there are quite a few hot air balloon festivals in Texas where visitors can see Texas hot air balloons!

So whether you’re looking for hot air balloon festivals in Texas, we’ve got you covered with a list of air balloon Texas opportunities!

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Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Texas

Trust me, this list of hot air balloons in Texas won’t disappoint! But first, there are some really important tips every visitor needs to know.

Weather Plays a Part – Texas hot air balloon festivals are extremely weather-contingent. Inclement weather may, unfortunately, ground the balloons. But, thankfully, most festivals include other forms of entertainment.

Choose Wisely – Come prepared to see Texas hot air balloons but choose a hot air balloon festival based on the other things there you may enjoy.

Pack a Picnic – If you’re able to bring your own food while seeing hot air balloons Texas, pack a picnic. It will make your hot air balloon festival Texas experience more magical.

“Meet” the Balloons before the Festival – Most hot air balloon festivals have a detailed bio for each of the balloons they feature. Check the website before [or during] the festival to discover the inspiration behind the balloons, their creators, sponsors, and pilots.

These quick tips will help you choose the right Texas hot air balloons for you!

Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival

Plano, TX [September]

The Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival is more than just hot air balloons in Texas. It is an entire event! From tons of food trucks to skydiving shows to tethered balloon rides, there’s no wonder why this event draws visitors from far and wide. They definitely go all out making this annual event one of the top hot air balloon festivals in Texas.

Check out this post all about the Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival! While you’re at it, find out other things to do in Plano TX [and even things to do in Plano with kids]!

Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival

Fredericksburg, TX [July | September | November]

The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival is probably one of the most notable hot air balloon festivals in Texas. It is held multiple times a year in the unbelievably scenic Fredericksburg, TX. Imbibe in the local wine the town is known for while enjoying live music performances, delicious food, a polo match, and of course, Texas hot air balloons.

Rio Grande Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival

McAllen, TX [October]

If you want to pair hot air balloons in Texas with food, fun, and fashion, then the Rio Grande Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival is for you! This Texas hot air balloon festival is offered annually in October and promises all of the above combined with, of course, beautiful hot air balloons.

Great Texas Balloon Race

Longview, TX [June]

Longview, TX is not only home to the Great Texas Balloon Race but it is also considered the Balloon Capital of Texas! The festival has been “lifting up Longview” for over four decades and draws crowds from all over. World-class pilots spend the weekend in competitive balloon races while spectators watch on in wonder.

If you’ve ever wanted to see gorgeous balloons with a side of action, this is the Texas hot air balloon festival for you!

Skylight Balloon Festival

Selma, TX [October]

Live music, food trucks, and market wares complement the whimsical hot air balloons at the Skylight Balloon Festival. The annual event features skydivers, acrobats, local bands, and nightly balloon glows. You can even take flight yourself with a special tethered ride at the festival.

[Please note that the exact location of this festival may vary so please verify on their website prior to attending.]

Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay, TX [April]

Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay is a special treat because it is located in the scenic Texas hill country. Hosted by the Horseshoe Bay Resort, the festival is a weekend filled with concerts, cookouts, arts and crafts, and more. The festival is especially kid-friendly with Easter egg drops, safari-themed animal shows, an inflatable zone, and even a rock climbing wall.

Terrell Freedomfest

Terrell, TX [July]

Fireworks, music, balloons, and food are the cornerstone of the Terrell Freedomfest in Terrell, TX. The festival is held annually during Independence Day weekend and is guaranteed fun for everyone in the family. There’s a family fun zone, food trucks from local eateries, and tethered balloon rides for attendees looking for an aerial view of the festivities. And no Fourth of July festival would be complete without fireworks and Terrell Freedomfest has them aplenty.

Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival

Kyle, TX [September]

The name is probably a dead giveaway but the Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival is centered around delicious, yummy pies. That’s right – visitors can marvel at the hot air balloons while also partaking in pie festivities. A pie baking contest, pie eating contest, and pie sales round out the fun to be had here.

Paris Balloon and Music Festival

Paris, TX [September]

In addition to the expected hot air balloons and music, Paris Balloon and Music Festival is also a treasure for those seeking art. The festival has a unique live art painting competition where local artists create artistic masterpieces right at the festival that can be purchased by festival attendees.

There are also food trucks, local merchants, activities for the kids, and even photo booths.

Victory Cup Polo Match and Seafood Festival

Houston, TX [May]

Described as the best seafood event in the country, the Victory Cup Polo Match and Seafood Festival in Houston, TX is as unique as they come. Dine on fantastic seafood while watching an amazing hot air balloon glow show.

And as If that wasn’t enough to wow you, they also have live music, tons of vendors, an area especially for kids, and a polo match.

Chocolate and Wine Hot Air Balloon Bash

Fredericksburg, TX [February]

Is there a better combination than chocolate, wine, and Texas hot air balloons? The Chocolate and Wine Hot Air Balloon Bash would vote not! Award-winning wines from local wineries are served throughout this event filled with polo matches, delicious food, and divine chocolate. There are even helicopter rides available to ride high above the balloons.

Canton Balloon Fest

Canton, TX [July]

The Canton Balloon Fest is hosted annually in the quaint East Texas city of Canton. What makes this festival so special is that they are one of the few festivals that also offer hot air balloon rides in Texas. Not only can visitors sign up for a tethered ride, but [if reserved in advance] they can sign up for a full balloon ride.

If for some reason, that isn’t your thing, they also have tons of family-friendly fun like a glow run, car show, art vendors, food trucks, and so much more.

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Which of these hot air balloon festivals would you and your family attend?