Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

08/03/2026

🎈 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest may only last one weekend, but for this committee, it's so much more than that.

It's months of planning, countless hours of preparation, and a year filled with ideas, conversations, and the shared commitment to making each Balloonfest even better than the last. Long after the balloons land, this incredible group is already thinking ahead to the next launch.

From coordinating pilots and sponsors to organizing volunteers, entertainment, logistics, and everything in between, this committee pours its heart into creating an event that brings our community together year after year.

Today, we're celebrating the people behind the magic.

To our 2026 Balloonfest Committee: thank you for your dedication, your passion, and the time and energy you invest in making Michigan Challenge Balloonfest a tradition that means so much to Livingston County. We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. ❤️🎈

Already looking ahead to Balloonfest 2027? Follow our page and visit michiganchallenge.com to stay up to date be the first to know about all things Michigan Challenge.

07/23/2026

🎈 Before we officially close the chapter on an incredible 2026 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, there's one more celebration we couldn't let pass by.

Congratulations to Landon Kohtz, the 2026 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest Champion, flying Heatwave! 🏆

Adding to an already memorable weekend, Landon's father, Keith Kohtz, was also flying in this year's event, making it a special year for the Kohtz family.

Congratulations, Landon, on an outstanding accomplishment. We look forward to welcoming you back to Livingston County and seeing you in the skies again next time!

07/09/2026

🚗 The Annual Classic Car Show at Balloonfest was a full-throttle success in 2026!

With 53 vehicles on display, more than ever before, the Blue Gate Lot was packed with stunning rides and even better people. Through entry fees and donations, this year's show raised $690 for Tunnel to Towers Foundation Foundation.

Congratulations to this year's People's Choice Award winners:
🥇 1st Place: Gabe & Sue Rotter — 1966 Ford Mustang
🥈 2nd Place: Robert Niemiec — Red Corvette
🥉 3rd Place: Brenda Jacek — 1972 Buick LeSabre
Thank you to every participant, voter, and donor who made this possible. See you in 2027! 🎈

07/06/2026

Behind every great event is a team of people who believe in it enough to invest in it. 💛

Our volunteers are the backbone of Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, and this year a group of incredible organizations stepped up to show them just how appreciated they are.

Thank you to our 2026 Volunteer Champions & Supporters!!

Savant Group LLC
Devotion Hospice, LLC
JJ Jinkleheimer & Co
Tin Tusks
Work Skills Corporation
Pro Bros Window & Door
Old National Bank

Your support for our volunteers is support for this entire community. We are truly grateful. 🎈

07/02/2026

It takes an incredible community to make Michigan Challenge Balloonfest possible, and that includes making sure our volunteers are well cared for all weekend long. ❤️🎈

From early morning launches to late-night Balloon Glows, our volunteers give countless hours to create an unforgettable experience for our community and visitors. Keeping them fueled, refreshed, and appreciated simply wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of these amazing local businesses.

A heartfelt thank you to:
🍕 Marcos Pizza Howell
☕ Mugg & Bopps Howell
🍟 McDonald's – W. Grand River, Howell
🍟 McDonald's – Burkhart Road, Howell
🌽 Colasanti's Market
🥪 Jimmy John's - N Michigan Ave, Howell
🥪 Jimmy John's - Lawson Dr, Howell
🍗 Buffalo Wild Wings Brighton
🍔 Applebee's Howell
🏨 Hampton Inn & Suites Howell

Your generosity helped us care for the people who make Balloonfest happen. Every meal, snack, discount, and donation made a difference, and we are truly grateful for your partnership and support.

To each of these businesses, thank you for investing in our volunteers, our event, and our community. We couldn't have done it without you. ❤️🎈

07/01/2026

🎈 That's a wrap on the 41st Annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, and we could not have done it without the incredible support of our 2026 sponsors!

From the mainstage to the launch field, the Balloon Glow to the Community Breakfast, every single piece of this weekend was made possible by businesses and organizations who believe in this community and this event.

To each and every one of you: THANK YOU. 💛 We are so grateful.

Stay tuned for more recaps, highlights, and sponsor spotlights coming soon!

06/30/2026

🙋 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Balloonfest & Gleaners Community Food Bank

We're looking for a few helping hands tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1st from 11 AM–1 PM to load leftover Balloonfest product being donated to Gleaners Food Pantry.

If you have an hour or two to spare, we'd love your help making sure nothing goes to waste. 💛

Text Lizz at 517-715-9100 if you're able to lend a hand!

06/29/2026