Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest event in Howell is one of the premier summertime activities in Michigan!

June 24-26, 2022
Hot-air balloon competition, family fun and entertainment.

🌟Brad Hosmer🎈Tarp Time🌄 Crew kid turned pilot! Brad Hosmer grew up near Battle Creek, MI and started crewing balloons ar...
06/02/2026

🌟Brad Hosmer
🎈Tarp Time

🌄 Crew kid turned pilot! Brad Hosmer grew up near Battle Creek, MI and started crewing balloons around age 10, so it was really only a matter of time. He earned his private pilot certificate in 2020 and has been making his way around Michigan's balloon circuit ever since.

Now based in Oak Creek, WI, Brad is bringing Tarp Time to Howell this June 26–28. The crew kid made it! 🎈

✈️ Meet Brad and all 40 of our pilots at Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, June 26–28! Tickets and full pilot roster at michiganchallenge.com.

🥤 Staying refreshed at Balloonfest just got a whole lot easier, thanks to our Beverage Sponsor Pepsi! 🎈Whether you're a ...
06/02/2026

🥤 Staying refreshed at Balloonfest just got a whole lot easier, thanks to our Beverage Sponsor Pepsi! 🎈

Whether you're a first-time visitor, a seasoned balloon fan, or one of the incredible volunteers who make it all happen, there's a cold Pepsi product waiting for you all weekend long. 🙌

June 26–28 | Howell High School

➡️ www.michiganchallenge.com

The apple doesn't fall far from the balloon basket. 🍎🌟 Landon Kohtz🎈HeatwaveLandon Kohtz grew up in Michigan as the son ...
06/01/2026

The apple doesn't fall far from the balloon basket. 🍎

🌟 Landon Kohtz
🎈Heatwave

Landon Kohtz grew up in Michigan as the son of a pilot, surrounded by balloons from the very beginning. Now he's carrying on the family tradition with his own balloon, Heatwave.

And yes, dad Keith is flying this weekend too. Keep an eye out for both Kohtz balloons in the Howell sky June 26–28! 👀🎈

🎈 Balloon: Heatwave
👉 Rest of pilots & tickets: https://michiganchallenge.com/

Congratulations to everyone who immediately noticed our photo mix-up. 😂🎈You passed the test.(Or maybe our social media t...
05/31/2026

Congratulations to everyone who immediately noticed our photo mix-up. 😂🎈

You passed the test.

(Or maybe our social media team just wanted to make sure that you're paying attention. We'll never tell....😉

Now that we've successfully identified who is NOT Chris Smart, let's meet the real Chris Smart...

🌟 Chris Smart caught the ballooning bug in 1989 and hasn't looked back, earning his commercial license by 1993 and accumulating 2,000+ flights since. He competes with his racing balloon Dream Racer, flies for Re/Max of Indiana, and puts in seasonal time with Rainbow Ryders in Albuquerque and Colorado Springs.

This weekend he's bringing Gun Lake Casino to the Howell sky. Come find him June 26–28! 🎈

👉See all the balloons filling the Howell skies and grab your tickets: https://michiganchallenge.com/

Born into it. 👨‍👩‍👦.🌟Travis Gauthier🎈 Balloon: Corn NutzTravis Gauthier is one of SIX Gauthier family pilots, a Waterfor...
05/30/2026

Born into it. 👨‍👩‍👦.

🌟Travis Gauthier
🎈 Balloon: Corn Nutz

Travis Gauthier is one of SIX Gauthier family pilots, a Waterford, Michigan family where ballooning isn't just a hobby, it's a legacy passed down and carried forward with pride. 🎈

Corn Nutz will be in the Howell sky June 26–28, flying for the love of the sport and everyone who came before. 💛

👉 Rest of pilots & tickets: https://michiganchallenge.com/

🎈 4 WEEKS from today, the skies over Howell will be FULL of hot air balloons!Are you ready?!🙌What are you MOST excited f...
05/29/2026

🎈 4 WEEKS from today, the skies over Howell will be FULL of hot air balloons!

Are you ready?!🙌

What are you MOST excited for?!

We can't wait to see you all there!

June 26–28 | Howell High School
➡️ www.michiganchallenge.com

Flying runs in the family. ⚾🌟Ryan Duff🎈7th Inning Stretch✈️ Ryan Duff is a second-generation pilot with roots in Albuque...
05/28/2026

Flying runs in the family. ⚾

🌟Ryan Duff
🎈7th Inning Stretch

✈️ Ryan Duff is a second-generation pilot with roots in Albuquerque, now representing Tyler Athletic Fields out of Toledo, Ohio — a company dedicated to designing, building, and maintaining top-tier athletic fields across the country.

From great fields on the ground to great views from above. Keep an eye out for 7th Inning Stretch June 26–28! 🎈

👉Meet all the pilots & grab your tickets: https://michiganchallenge.com/

📲 Your Balloonfest HQ is in your pocket!The Michigan Balloonfest app has everything you need:📍 Maps & parking🎈 Real-time...
05/27/2026

📲 Your Balloonfest HQ is in your pocket!

The Michigan Balloonfest app has everything you need:
📍 Maps & parking
🎈 Real-time launch updates
📅 Full schedule
👨‍✈️ Pilot & balloon info
🚌 Shuttle times

Find us in the iOS & Google Play App Stores — search 'Michigan Balloonfest'!

Powered by Pop Daddy Snacks 🍿 & The Willows at Howell 🏡

Here to make your day. 💗🌟Steven Sitko🎈MaveryxSteven Sitko of Jackson, Michigan is on a mission: put smiles on kids' face...
05/27/2026

Here to make your day. 💗

🌟Steven Sitko
🎈Maveryx

Steven Sitko of Jackson, Michigan is on a mission: put smiles on kids' faces and warm the hearts of everyone in the crowd. Active in the ballooning community, he's helped organize the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee and spent three years helping spearhead the U.S. Women's Nationals in Jackson.

Oh, and he flies what may arguably be the prettiest pink balloon in the country. 🩷
Look for Maveryx in the Howell sky June 26–28, you really can't miss it.

👉 Rest of pilots & tickets: https://michiganchallenge.com/

Warning: his enthusiasm may spread. 😄Meet- 🌟Ken Draughn🎈Xtremely ContagiousKen Draughn brings energy, joy, and a whole l...
05/26/2026

Warning: his enthusiasm may spread. 😄

Meet-
🌟Ken Draughn
🎈Xtremely Contagious

Ken Draughn brings energy, joy, and a whole lot of heart to every launch. The name Xtremely Contagious isn't just a balloon, it's a vibe. From the moment he hits the launch field, Ken has a way of pulling everyone in and making the whole experience bigger and better.

Consider yourself warned. 🎈 June 26–28!

👉 Meet the rest of our 2026 pilots & snag your tickets: https://michiganchallenge.com/

Address

1200 W Grand River Avenue
Howell, MI
48843

Telephone

+15175463920

Website

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