NJ Hot Air Balloon Festivals
When people think of New Jersey, they think of the Sopranos, the beach or New York’s little sibling, but there is so much to see and do here. I may be biased as it is my home state, but once I show you more I’m sure you’ll be convinced! Many people don’t know about the NJ Hot Air Balloon Festivals, but by reading this you will.
Something that surprises people is when I tell them that New Jersey has not one, not two, but four hot air balloon festivals during the summer. Hot air balloons are usually associated with places like Albuquerque in New Mexico, Teotihuacan in Mexico, Luxor in Egypt or Cappadocia in Turkiye, but not New Jersey.
Let’s go over the dates and locations of each of these activities in New Jersey so that you can plan to go to one during your next visit!
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New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
The largest hot air balloon festival is the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning at the Solberg Airport in Readington Township. Held the last weekend of July, 100+ giant balloons ascend into the sky. The balloons themselves are pretty unique since they’re based off of tv characters and regular balloon shapes.
In addition to the balloons there are also vendors, concerts, interactive exhibits, nighttime drone shows and much more!
In 2024 and 2025 the three events have been cancelled due to budget, but hopefully the 40 year running event will be back in 2026.
Hot Air Balloon, Art & Crafts
The summer begins with the Hot Air Balloon, Art and Crafts in Warren County. It’s held usually during the first weekend of June at the College in Washington. Here you can also find artists and vendors selling their crafts. Support these local artisans during your visit!
In 2025 the event ran from 1 to 8:30pm with a rain date of the following weekend in case of harsh weather. Online tickets were on sale for $2 cheaper than at the gate for adults and $1 less for kids.
This fest started in 2021 and has entertainment, food trucks, and even a car show on Sunday. There is lots to see and do here for adults, kids, and the whole family.
Get more details and purchase tickets here.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair
Halfway through the summer is the yearly Warren County Farmers’ Fair which features the Hot Air Balloon Festival. This is an 8 day event that is two events in one, the fair and festival. It tends to start the last Saturday of July so plan your visit accordingly.
The fair portion includes food trucks, carnival games, a tractor race, farm animals, and so much more! For the festival part, there’s both the ones that go into the air and a tethered one.
Get more details and purchase tickets here.
Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival
The final event happens on the 3rd weekend of September and is hosted by the College. It’s the last opportunity to watch the hot air balloons take off into the air for the year.
Here you’ll find vendors, food, and games in addition to the hot air balloons.
Tickets to enter can be purchased beforehand. It’s $10 for adults, $4 for children, and parking is $5. They have a family pack and parking option that is $40 and up to 5 people. If you want to ride a balloon, pricing starts at $350.
Get more details and purchase tickets here.
Important to Note
For the three Warren County Festivals which are the last three on this list, pets are not allowed, nor is alcohol.
Activities are based on weather. If anything is cancelled due to weather, ticket purchases will not be refunded. Keep this in mind if buying too far in advance.
I hope you enjoy these NJ Hot Air Balloon Festivals! Which of these would you visit first?
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