What to Bring:
Guests are encouraged to bring cameras, lawn chairs, blankets, and small umbrellas to enjoy the beautiful Carolina autumn weather. You may also bring unopened bottled water and snacks in a small bag. Wagons and strollers are welcome.
Please note: all bags will be checked upon entry.

What Not to Bring:
Large hard-shell coolers, alcohol, glass containers, weapons (including knives with blades longer than 4 inches), drones, pop-up canopies, and large umbrellas are not permitted.

No pets, except for service animals, are permitted through the gates.

Carolina BalloonFest is a rain or shine event, ensuring a variety of activities and entertainment. However, please be aware that balloon operations and other outdoor entertainment require specific weather conditions. Wind speed, visibility, and precipitation all play important roles in determining whether it's safe to inflate hot air balloons and offer other forms of entertainment . We strive to offer balloon experiences whenever possible, safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, as the weather can be unpredictable. In the unlikely event that inclement weather requires the event to be suspended or cancelled, please follow announcements and instructions. Carolina Balloonfest tickets are non-refundable. 

Carolina BalloonFest guests are permitted to leave the festival any time before the gates close but please understand that if the on-site parking lots fill up or if Park & Ride buses are halted due to festival capacity, you may not be able to re-enter the festival. If you choose to leave the festival and return at a later time that day our guest gate attendants will stamp your hand to confirm free re-entry.

On-site and off-site parking is available for Carolina BalloonFest. During the ticket checkout process, you will be required to choose your parking option. Limited on-site parking is available and it typically sells out prior to the event. We offer multiple parking options, including general parking and premier parking on-site festival grounds. If on-site parking is not secured in advance, we highly recommend utilizing the park & ride or the ride share option for convenient access to the festival.

This event follows the standard industry policy: All ticket purchases are non-refundable. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control such as a natural disaster or emergency or as required to protect the safety of attendees and staff. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances. We reserve the right to change the details of the event without prior notice. 

Plans change—we get it. Tickets can be transferred between days, but this must be done in advance online. Please note that your ticket is only valid for the date shown, so be sure to update it before arriving if you plan to attend on a different day. Transfers are subject to availability and only offered while supplies last.

Carolina BalloonFest strives to accommodate all guests, including those with disabilities and those using wheelchairs. Please be advised that while attending the festival guests may encounter uneven surfaces which may make getting around some of the festival grounds challenging. Wheelchair-accessible porta-johns facilities are located throughout the festival. Both the on-site parking field and the event site are roughly cut, grassy fields, NOT paved.

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the gate if available, but prices increase by $5 on the day of the event. Availability is not guaranteed, and we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Day-of parking will be limited to the Park & Ride OR Ride Share option only.

Absolutely! Carolina BalloonFest features a wide selection of food and beverage vendors throughout the festival, so you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy while you’re there.

October 16 | Friday 3 PM - 8:30 PM
October 17 | Saturday 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
October 18 | Sunday 6:30 AM - 6 PM

View the full schedule here!