Texas, Plano Balloon Festival: A Guide For Travelers

Published on August 30, 2025

Get fresh for nan breathtaking H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival, coming to Plano, Texas, from September 18 to 21, 2025. This long-awaited arena promises nosy for nan full family. As nan charismatic Balloon Capital of Texas, Plano will capable nan entity pinch complete 30 colorful basking aerial balloons, capped disconnected each nighttime pinch a dazzling fireworks show. Festival-goers tin besides rotation done a classical car show, watch thrilling parachutists onshore correct earlier their eyes, hop connected carnival rides, and take from a tasty assortment of nutrient vendors. You won’t want to miss this balloon-filled ceremony people your calendars now!

What to Expect astatine nan Festival

The show will showcase immoderate spectacular basking aerial balloons, including unsocial shapes for illustration Ms. Autumn, a elephantine pumpkin, and Barnstormer, which features a postulation of workplace animals and a farmer. Other highlights see Voluntold, a tribute to nan first balloon formation successful 1783, and nosy characters specified arsenic Ziggy nan Raccoon and Bud E Beaver. The basking aerial balloons, which see some accepted and typical shapes, are a show to behold arsenic they return to nan skies successful a kaleidoscope of colors.

Pat Cannon, a two-time U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Champion and nan existent president of nan Balloon Federation of America, will service arsenic nan festival’s Balloonmeister. His domiciled will beryllium to guarantee nan information of pilots and negociate nan formation operations passim nan event. The show besides offers opportunities for volunteers to assistance nan basking aerial balloon pilots, making it an interactive and hands-on acquisition for all.

Schedule of Key Events

• September 18: Balloon Glow astatine 7:30 p.m.
• September 19: Balloon Glow astatine 7:30 p.m., sponsored by RE/MAX of Texas
• September 20: Balloon Launch astatine 7:00 a.m., Balloon Glow astatine 7:30 p.m., sponsored by H-E-B | Central Market
• September 21: Balloon Launch astatine 7:00 a.m.

The Balloon Glow events will ray up nan nighttime skies, pinch nan balloons illuminated successful vibrant colors, offering a beautiful photograph opportunity for attendees. The greeting balloon launches will supply stunning views arsenic nan balloons return disconnected astatine sunrise, making it a memorable acquisition for all.

Other Attractions

Beyond nan basking aerial balloons, nan show offers galore activities for each ages:

• Parachute Exhibitions: Watch nan RE/MAX of Texas Parachute Team arsenic they execute thrilling jumps from precocious above.
• Classic Car Show: Explore a postulation of vintage and classical cars, cleanable for automobile enthusiasts.
• Fireworks: Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show by Pyrotex connected September 18-19 and Thomas J. Henry connected September 20.
• Concerts: The FOX4 Main Stage will characteristic performances by nan Plano Symphony Orchestra, Ice House Band, Midtown 10 Band, and nan Plano Community Band, providing an fantabulous soundtrack to nan festivities.
• Kids Fun Zone: A carnival area for children featuring rides, inflatable slides, and arts and crafts activities astatine nan Whataburger Kids Korner.

Food and Vendors

Visitors will person nary shortage of delicious nutrient options. You tin bask classical show treats for illustration funnel cakes, turkey legs, corn dogs, and drawback a wound from nan Portillo’s Beef Bus. For those looking for thing a small different, a assortment of nutrient trucks and vendors will beryllium serving up everything from section Texas specialties to world cuisine.

The show besides features a merchandise market pinch 35 vendors, and 22 section non-profit agencies will beryllium on-site, contributing to nan organization tone of nan event.

Ticket Information and Pricing

The show is unfastened to each and offers affordable admittance for families:

• General Admission: $10
• Kids (Ages 3-12): $5
• Seniors (65 and Over): $5
• Kids (Under 36”): Free
• Prime Parking: $15
• Off-site Parking: $10
• Kids Fun Zone Wristband: $20 (unlimited rides)
• VIP Concert Experience: $50 for nan Plano Symphony Orchestra concert

Festival Hours

• September 18: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 19: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 20: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 21: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Travel and Parking Tips

For those readying to drive, nan show offers off-site parking pinch a free shuttle to nan arena grounds. Parking passes tin beryllium purchased online for $10. For nan champion parking experience, VIP parking is disposable for $15 adjacent nan entrance.

If you’re readying to be nan Balloon Launch events, beryllium prepared to get early to get a bully viewing spot. The mornings tin beryllium busy, particularly connected September 20 erstwhile nan balloons return disconnected astatine 7:00 a.m.

Plan Your Visit

For other specifications connected nan festival, tickets, and parking, cheque nan charismatic site. Keep successful nan loop by pursuing nan show connected Facebook and Instagram for nan latest news and unrecorded updates.

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival is simply a can’t-miss extremity for anyone aft a fun, family-friendly day. This show shows disconnected nan stunning colors and graceful emergence of hot-air balloons correct successful Plano, Texas. Whether you’ve lived present everlastingly aliases are conscionable passing through, there’s a small thing for everybody.