Hot Air Balloon Festival is Coming to MoCo (Updated Information)

The DC Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming to the Montgomery County AG Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg on September 17 and 18, with gates opening at 3pm. Tickets for entry are $20/adult and $8/child and can be purchased at https://www.freshtix.com/events/dcballoonfest. Tethered hot air balloon rides will cost and additional $25.

Per the event’s Facebook page:
Get the whole family out for a great family fun time! See incredible Hot Air Balloons, check that bucket list and get a ride on an actual Hot Air Balloon! We will have a Kids Zone, with Games and Rides including trains, bounce house’s, rock walls and much more!
DJ & Live Music for your entertainment from a variety of Artists.
Lots & Lots of Craft & Retail Vendor Booths with tons of cool and interesting stuff for sale! Food Vendors with bunches of fantastic Festival Style food to choose from!
Bucket List!! Tethered Hot air Balloon rides will be available for purchase during the event only for $25 per person. While supplies last and weather dependent. Announcements on rides will be made at the event.

For the Grand Finale each night after dark (about) 9pm the event will feature “the fantastic Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser show” where all the balloons will be lit up in unison with crowd participatory “Count Downs”! This show incorporates Music and visually stunning coordinated burns by the Hot Air Balloons & Lasers- creating a Glow. Bring your blankets, chairs and umbrellas and set up your own “perfect” viewing spot!

FAQ:

• Tickets are limited. Purchase as soon as possible before we sellout.
• Admission tickets do NOT include a Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Volunteers needed to work with the balloon pilots to set up.
• Parking is $10 and onsite. Watch for Parking signs. VIP Parking and Handicapped Parking available.
• No Coolers allowed.
• Balloon inflation will take place as soon a winds are low enough to be safe. Listen for announcements during the event.
• Rain will not hinder the festival part of the event and the laser show.  It will hinder balloon inflation as balloon fabric obsorbs the rain.  If rain stops the balloons from setting up your tickets are good for another day or show.
• Pets are not recommended. The “Burner” noise from the hot air balloons can get loud and is disturbing to dogs.  Service dogs are fine.
• Blankets, Chairs, and personal umbrellas are permitted.  No alcohol is permtted.
• Kids Zone requires tickets ranging from $1 to $10.  See vendors for details. We DO NOT Handle kids zone rides.
• Proceeds to benefit the Special Olympics
• Tickets are $20 adults, $8 Kids.  5 and under free.
• Tickets at the Gate will be higher $30 Adults $15 Kids
• Balloon Rides are an additional $25 per person