This trend is getting hot! Adventurous American Balloon Experiences

Hot air balloons, a symbol of adventure, imagination and love, have been traveling our skies since 1783, when the Montgolfier brothers designed the first documented paper and silk balloon that flew over Paris on November 21, 1783, crewed by Francois Pilatrê de Rozier and Francois Laurent, Marquis of Arlanders. And while hot air ballooning has never gone out of style, hot air ballooning has once again reached the pop culture stage, becoming popular in the event and design communities and making cameos on “hot” television shows like the Regency-inspired, infamous Season 3 of Bridgerton.

Season 3, Episode 3 showcases the romance and spectacle of ballooning that swept Europe during the Regency period, as Colin Bridgerton, played by actor Luke Newton, bravely saves the day by anchoring an escaped hot air balloon and becoming the talk of the town at the Queen’s ‘Innovation Ball’. . Whether you’re a fan of the Netflix hit or not, hot air ballooning as an experience trend can be found in every travel guide, on many travel shows, webcasts and podcasts, and easy to spot while scrolling through popular sources like Pinterest, Instagram and Tik Tok .

The historical relevance of ballooning made its way to North America in 1793 with the first manned flight of a hydrogen gas balloon, piloted by Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard, on January 9, 1793 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not to be outdone by the French court, American icon George Washington himself celebrated and observed the American launch.

Besides the history lesson, hot air ballooning is a decadent activity that couples and families can enjoy. Hot air ballooning represents adventure in a way that many travel activities do not. An always exclusive experience, because no two balloon flights will ever be the same. The bird’s eye view, the colors of the sunset or sunrise as the wind carries riders between the clouds are difficult to recreate. And as those who have had the pleasure of witnessing the launch of these majestic air carriages will tell you, the magic of ballooning is felt not only from the air, but also by the spectators.

“When hot air balloons fill the sky, the view from our earthly perspective becomes mesmerizing and we cannot take our eyes off it. We wonder how those giant balloons fly, where they go, where they will land. Seeing a balloon fly for the first time is truly unforgettable.” shares Kristie Darling, president of Big Oh! Balloons.

American festivals, art shows, private and corporate events continue to celebrate and innovate ballooning, with its traditions traveling from coast to coast. Experience the adventure and romance of hot air ballooning by adding these events to your 2024 itinerary.

Set against the majestic backdrop of the Pike Peak region, the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, held August 31 through September 2, connects visitors to the natural beauty of Colorado. This three-day event features various activities including sunrise hot air balloon flights, live musical entertainment and street performers, local food and drink vendors, hiking, fishing and paddle boarding as balloons dance over Prospect Lake, a 5K race and evening balloon glow. More than a balloon festival, the Labor Day Lift Off encourages visitors to spend time enjoying Downtown Colorado Springs and regional hotspots such as the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Pikes Peak, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Cripple Creek of Cog Railways .

Carolina BalloonFest wants to dazzle you with barbecue and balloons over the Carolina Midlands

Dripping with Americana and Southern hospitality, Carolina BalloonFest is a relaxed event held October 18-20 in Statesville, North Carolina. The festival features morning hot air balloon competitions, mass climbs, tethered balloon rides and evening balloon glows. Participants can also enjoy live entertainment on two stages, street food concessions, enjoy a marketplace and craft village, local wine and beer vendors, plus aerial circus performances and skydiving exhibits. Organized by National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc., Carolina BalloonFest also serves as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and annually donates a portion of proceeds to local nonprofits and organizations.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a 9-day festival held from October 5 to 13 in scenic Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring signature mass ascents of 550 hot air balloons and more than 100 specially shaped hot air balloons representing 16 countries. The 360-acre Balloon Fiesta Park is also home to the signature Twilight Twinkle Glow™, Balloon Glow and Night Magic Glow™, featuring hundreds of hot air balloons in static display, lighting up the night sky. Now popular in the United States, the twilight glows known as “balloon glows” were invented in Albuquerque in 1979 by local pilots. The Balloon Fiesta launched its first official Balloon Glow in 1987 and continues the tradition annually with each glow launch followed by spectacular fireworks displays.

These are just a small sample of the balloon events and experiences found across America. Other popular events attended by balloon enthusiasts include the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival in Winchester, California, the Great Reno Balloon Race in Reno, Nevada, and the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning in Readington, New Jersey.

Hot air ballooning provides an excellent travel experience for families, couples and groups. With events to suit every taste, location and travel need, finding the right balloon adventure is simply an internet search.