contact us
All the answers can be found on the website.
please read below for a quick answer
The dates for 2026: September 17 to 20.
Under the “BALLOONS” tab, click on “BALLOON RIDES“. It is up to you to contact the pilot of your choice as the festival does not broker rides. You must wait for 2026 participating pilots.
The maximum speed for a secure launch and flight at the ground level is 3-5 MPH.
September 17 to 20, 2026.
Next year’s parking pass will be available a few weeks before the event.
Unfortunately, you can only buy the Festival merchandise on site at the festival.
Please click on the “SCHEDULE” Tab to know everything about the event.
Ballooning depends on the weather. Pilots determine during the morning briefing whether conditions are favorable for a flight.
One possible reason is high wind. Sometimes the winds are calm on the surface, but they can be extremely high at 100 feet. Rain or storm cells 50 nautical miles away can affect the security of a hot air balloon.
NO PETS ARE ALLOWED AT THE FESTIVAL AT ANY TIME. Service dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities will be admitted. All animals must have PROOF of rabies vaccination to enter the grounds. Do not leave pets in vehicles. Any animal left in a vehicle will be turned over to the local authorities at the expense of the owner.
Yes, food trucks are available on site!
Drones are not permitted at any of the launches including Crandall Park as well as Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport. Proper action will be taken by authorities to remedy this issue.
Balloons use propane gas to make their flame. As this gas is flammable, smoking could endanger the balloonist and all spectators as well. So we politely ask that you refrain from smoking on the grounds at anytime.