Plano Balloon Festival, Inc.

10/08/2026

“Last month was the Plano Hot air balloon festival. While waiting for the balloons to light up for the evening glow, I made a quick painting.” — Swati Saundatti

09/26/2026

09/24/2026

2026 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival

Photo Credit: Jimmy Q Texasafterburnmedia

09/24/2026

Save the Date: October 6th for National Night Out!

"It's a night to dedicated to strengthening neighborhood spirit, building police community partnerships, and celebrating the people who make Plano feel like home." - Plano Police Department

09/22/2026

🦓 MEET THE ZEBRAS

They may be easy to spot in their black-and-white stripes, but the job of a Launch Director is all about what happens behind the scenes.

Our Zebras work directly with pilots and balloon operations to help manage the launch field, monitor the space around each balloon and coordinate when it is safe for a pilot to lift off. Their experience, communication and constant attention help turn a field full of balloons, crews and thousands of spectators into an organized launch.

Those stripes are fun. The responsibility behind them is very real.

A huge THANK YOU to our 2026 Launch Directors, affectionately known throughout the ballooning world as the Zebras, for the early mornings, long hours and commitment to keeping our pilots, crews and guests safe throughout the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival.

You helped keep our Shared Horizon moving safely skyward.

09/21/2026

That’s a wrap on an unforgettable weekend at the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival!

A huge THANK YOU to the volunteers, pilots, sponsors, hot air balloons, vendors, food concessionaires, non-profit agencies, Radio Club, Festival team, City of Plano Police and Fire Departments, and to every single person who came out to celebrate with us.

It takes an incredible community to bring something this special to life, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make this weekend such a success. From sunrise launches to glowing nights, thousands of us looked up together and shared the same sky.

This year’s Shared Horizon belonged to all of us. 🤩

09/21/2026

2026 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival

Photo Credit: Nina Nelson, CruzanHeart Photos

09/21/2026

"🎈 What a weekend! We loved being part of the Plano Balloon Festival and getting to serve our community while enjoying all the fun, food, and colorful skies. ❤️ Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us!"

09/21/2026

2026 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival.

Photo credit: Anjan Bellur
Plano Photography Club