Carolina BalloonFest

Carolina BalloonFest Get ready! The 51st E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest will take place October 16-18, 2026! Over the recent five years, National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc.

Carolina BalloonFest, as a nonprofit and a festival, hosts an annual family-friendly event held during the third weekend in October. Bring your cameras, lawn chairs and blankets to experience our fun-filled weekend of outstanding entertainment, attractions, and activities while taking in the warm, autumn Carolina sun, between our morning and afternoon scheduled flights. Activities include:

Speci

al Shapes
3 Mass Ascensions
2 Hot Air Balloon Sanctioned Competitions
Friday & Saturday Evening Balloon Glow
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Tethered Balloon Rides
Pilot Meet & Greet
Wine & Craft Beer Garden
Main Stage Entertainment
Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course
Kids Zone & Stage
Walk In Balloon
Artisan Village & MarketPlace
Eat Street & Beer Tent

Our Mission...
To continue the heritage of hot air ballooning in Iredell County, spotlight the community of Statesville and donate a percentage of Carolina BalloonFest proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. has contributed over $787,000 to local nonprofits who volunteer many hours with us to host this tradition for thousands of spectators!

🎈 Meet Jae Randy Lee!Traveling from Four Oaks, NC, Lee has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 22 years, fl...
08/30/2026

🎈 Meet Jae Randy Lee!

Traveling from Four Oaks, NC, Lee has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 22 years, flying "Spellbound Spirit III." One of Lee's favorite things about Carolina BalloonFest is the people in the Statesville area. He considers Carolina BalloonFest his home festival and feels honored to be from a state with such a rich history in shaping the sport of hot air ballooning.

We're excited to welcome Lee back to the E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest this October! If you see him around the festival, be sure to say hello and help us give him a warm Carolina BalloonFest welcome.

📅 October 16–18, 2026
Get your tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

You'll see Animal Hospital of Statesville throughout EPIC Studios BalloonFest this October—and for good reason.Their par...
08/29/2026

You'll see Animal Hospital of Statesville throughout EPIC Studios BalloonFest this October—and for good reason.

Their partnership helps create an event that welcomes visitors from across the country while supporting the Statesville community.
We're grateful to have them as part of this year's festival.

🎈 Ready to experience EPIC Studios Carolina BalloonFest?
Tickets are available now at carolinaballoonfest.com

October 16-18, 2026
Statesville, NC

🎈 Meet Barbara McKinley!Traveling from Siler City, NC, Barbara has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 10 y...
08/28/2026

🎈 Meet Barbara McKinley!

Traveling from Siler City, NC, Barbara has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 10 years, flying "Morning Star." One of Barbara's favorite things about Carolina BalloonFest is its connection to her heritage, as her father was an original organizer and safety officer. A special memory is flying a young boy with cancer.

We're excited to welcome Barbara back to the E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest this October! If you see her around the festival, be sure to say hello and help us give her a warm Carolina BalloonFest welcome.

📅 October 16–18, 2026
Get your tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

🎈 The 2026 Special Shapes are coming to Carolina BalloonFest!They’re larger than life, full of personality and always on...
08/26/2026

🎈 The 2026 Special Shapes are coming to Carolina BalloonFest!

They’re larger than life, full of personality and always one of the most fun sights in the sky.

We’re excited to welcome this year’s lineup of Special Shape balloons to Statesville:
🎈 Misterz
🎈 Bella the Bulldog
🎈 Buster the Bulldog

Get your cameras ready because you’re definitely going to want a photo when these one-of-a-kind balloons make their appearance!

📅 October 16–18, 2026
📍 Statesville, NC
🎟️ Get your tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

🎈 Meet Mark Meyer!Traveling from Vass, NC, Mark has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 8 years, flying "Ho...
08/26/2026

🎈 Meet Mark Meyer!

Traveling from Vass, NC, Mark has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 8 years, flying "Horizon." One of Mark's favorite things about Carolina BalloonFest is flying with friends. A special memory is serving as the Balloonmeister for the festival's 49th year.

We're excited to welcome Mark back to the E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest this October! If you see him around the festival, be sure to say hello and help us give him a warm Carolina BalloonFest welcome.

📅 October 16–18, 2026
Get your tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

08/25/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT VENDOR NOTICE

Carolina BalloonFest has been made aware of unauthorized emails being sent to local businesses regarding vendor opportunities for the 2026 festival.

Please remember that official Carolina BalloonFest email communication will always come from an .com email address. Emails regarding Carolina BalloonFest coming from Gmail, Yahoo or other outside email providers should not be considered official communication from our team.

If you receive a vendor solicitation that you are unsure about, please do not provide payment, personal or business information. Instead, verify the communication directly with Carolina BalloonFest through our official website and contact information.

We appreciate those who brought this to our attention and are helping us spread the word.

When businesses and organizations support EPIC Studios Carolina BalloonFest, they're helping create more than a weekend ...
08/25/2026

When businesses and organizations support EPIC Studios Carolina BalloonFest, they're helping create more than a weekend event.

They're supporting tourism.
They're supporting local businesses.
They're supporting our nonprofit mission.
They're supporting the Statesville community.
Thank you, Home Instead, for helping make this tradition possible.

🎈 Join us October 16–18!
🎟️ Tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

One festival.Hundreds of volunteers.Over 50 pilots.Thousands of guests.Countless memories.It all comes together because ...
08/25/2026

One festival.
Hundreds of volunteers.
Over 50 pilots.
Thousands of guests.
Countless memories.

It all comes together because of community partners like PS West Construction Company.

Thank you for helping make the 2026 E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest possible.
🎟️ Purchase your tickets today: carolinaballoonfest.com

October 16-18, 2026
Statesville, NC

🎈 Bucket list moment incoming...You’ve watched hot air balloons float across the sky. Now it’s your turn to climb into t...
08/24/2026

🎈 Bucket list moment incoming...

You’ve watched hot air balloons float across the sky. Now it’s your turn to climb into the basket and experience it for yourself!

Soar above Statesville, take in the incredible views and make one of those memories that deserves a permanent spot in the camera roll.

EPIC Studios 51st Carolina BalloonFest is already an experience. Seeing it from the sky? That’s a whole different kind of unforgettable.

Balloon rides are booked directly with participating commercial pilots, so if a ride is on your bucket list, now is the time to make it happen!

👉 Find a participating pilot and plan your flight: https://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/book-a-ride

🎈 Meet Britan Stepanek!Traveling from Cleveland, NC, Britan has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 4 years...
08/24/2026

🎈 Meet Britan Stepanek!

Traveling from Cleveland, NC, Britan has been part of the Carolina BalloonFest family for 4 years, flying "Lucky Stars." One of Britan's favorite things about Carolina BalloonFest is that it's a hometown event and an opportunity to fly with fellow pilot friends. A special memory is flying over the local neighborhoods and seeing kids chase the balloon on their bikes.

We're excited to welcome Britan back to the E.P.I.C. Studios Carolina BalloonFest this October! If you see Britan around the festival, be sure to say hello and help us give a warm Carolina BalloonFest welcome.

📅 October 16–18, 2026
Get your tickets: carolinaballoonfest.com

Address

531 Old Airport Road
Statesville, NC
28677

Telephone

+17044956735

Website

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