Ashland's largest FREE family event with something for everyone to enjoy!
Building Community & Creating Memories
Attracting spectators from around the region for high flying fun, food & merchant vendors, live entertainment, activities for kids, balloon glows, and more!
Spectators in 2025
Hot Air Balloons
And counting!
Vendors
About Us
A Tradition That Colors The Ashland Sky
For more than three decades, Ashland BalloonFest has brought our community together for a weekend full of color, excitement, and summer magic. Each year, thousands gather to watch vibrant hot-air balloons fill the sky, enjoy live entertainment, explore local vendors, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Join us as we continue this beloved tradition and celebrate everything that makes BalloonFest a highlight of the Ashland summer.
Get Your Official Ashland BalloonFest Gear!
T-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, pullovers, blankets, hats, and more are available! Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying cozy for the evening glow, we’ve got something for everyone.
Pre-order now through our custom link to beat the rush and ensure you get your favorite styles and sizes!
Our Sponsors
Did we mention it’s free? Our sponsors are responsible for the impact and the quality of our festival.
Thank you, sponsors! None of this is possible without you.
Our Festival
What to Expect
New here? Never been to Ashland BalloonFest? We would love for you to join us! Here’s what you can expect.
2026 BalloonFest
Our 2026 Schedule
Our schedule is packed with excitement and things to do. Like us on Facebook for updates leading up to and during the event.
Events are subject to change. All hot air balloon activities are weather permitting and subject to delay or cancellation.
For other weekend activities, visit the Ashland Area CVB www.exploreashlandohio.com
Handicap parking at Ashland University B lot with shuttle to the field
Thursday June 25th
- 4-9 PM Kid Fun Zone (Kid Zone) – Inflatables, Princesses, RC excavators, balloon animals, Bookmobile, face paint, glitter tattoos, Axe Throwing, and more! Activity times vary, specific times listed in the event guide
- 4-10 PM Food Vendors (Concessions) – Many to choose from!
- 4-9 PM Merchant Tents – Featuring local businesses & boutique vendors
- 4-9 PM Monster Truck Rides (Monster Truck Zone) – $10 per person, rides are first come, first serve with Gearheart’s Garage & 4×4
- 5-8 PM VIP Reception (VIP Tent) for all sponsors and pilots – tickets required.
- 5-9 PM SB Music – Live musical entertainment (Mechanics Bank Stage)
- 6:15 PM OPENING CEREMONIES (Mechanics Bank Stage) – Ashland Veteran’s Color Guard
- 6:30 PM Balloon Lift Off in Memory of Dr. Mary MacDonald (Launch Field) – Enjoy the cold inflation process as pilots and crew prepare hot air balloons to take flight.
- 8:15 PM Balloon Glow Encounter (Launch Field) – Tickets for Reserved Premier Seating can be purchased HERE.
- 9:15 PM OhioHealth Balloon Glow (Launch Field) – Enjoy an interactive display as hot air balloons line the launch field and glow against the night sky choreographed to music.
Friday June 26th
- Around 7 AM Balloon Lift Off in Memory of Dr. Mary MacDonald (Launch Field) – Bring your chairs, coffee & blankets to Freer Field to watch!
- 11:30 AM -1:30 PM Food Trailer Friday (Concessions) – Food Trailers will be open for Lunch, free parking!
- 4-5 PM Kites! (Info Tent) – Come grab a kite to fly!
- 4-9 PM Helicopter Rides (Helicopter Zone) – $60 per person (cash or card), rides are first come, first serve with Interpid Helicopters
- 4-9 PM Kid Fun Zone (Kid Zone) – Inflatables, Princesses, RC excavators, balloon animals, Bookmobile, face paint, glitter tattoos, Axe Throwing, and more! Activity times vary, specific times listed in the event guide
- 4-10 PM Food Vendors (Concessions) – Many to choose from!
- 4-9 PM Merchant Tents – Featuring local businesses & boutique vendors
- 4-9 PM Monster Truck Rides (Monster Truck Zone) – $10 per person, rides are first come, first serve with Gearheart’s Garage & 4×4
- 5-9 PM Wood Carvers (Wood Carving Zone) – Come watch live chainsaw carving demonstrations with Bear Hollow Wood Carvers! Presented by Bill Harris Auto Center & The Chevy Network.
- 5-9 PM Emily Raff – Live musical entertainment (Mechanics Bank Stage)
- 6:30 PM Balloon Lift Off in Memory of Dr. Mary MacDonald (Launch Field) – Enjoy the cold inflation process as pilots & crew prepare hot air balloons to take sponsors & VIPs for a ride.
- 6:30-9 PM Tethered Balloons Rides (Tether Zone) – $25 per person, rides are first come, first serve with Xclusive Balloons
- 8:15 PM Balloon Glow Encounter (Launch Field) – Tickets for Reserved Premier Seating can be purchased HERE.
- 9:15 PM OhioHealth Balloon Glow (Launch Field) – Enjoy an interactive display as hot air balloons line the launch field and glow against the night sky choreographed to music.
Saturday June 27th
- Around 7 AM Balloon Lift Off in Memory of Dr. Mary MacDonald (Launch Field) – Bring your chairs, coffee & blankets to Freer Field to watch!
- 6:30-8:30 AM Tethered Balloons Rides (Tether Zone) – $25 per person, rides are first come, first serve with Xclusive Balloons
- 8-4 PM Grashland Volleyball Tournament by AVBC (Volleyball Zone) – Come play some volleyball! More information available on the AVBC Facebook page
- 9 AM Ashland BalloonFest 5K (Freer Field) – http://midohiorm.com/
- 8-12 PM Pancake Breakfast & Plane Fly-In at Ashland County Airport – enjoy pancakes and sausage with planes & skydivers. Donations accepted.
- 10:30-2:30 PM Jeep Show (Launch Field) – Registration Begins at 10:30 AM with awards presented at 2:30 PM with Ashland Area Jeep Club
- 12-3 PM Tom’s Kitchen Table – Live musical entertainment (Mechanics Bank Stage)
- 12-9 PM Kid Fun Zone (Kid Zone) – Inflatables, Princesses, RC excavators, balloon animals, Bookmobile, face paint, glitter tattoos, Axe Throwing, and more! Activity times vary, specific times listed in the event guide
- 12-10 PM Food Vendors (Concessions) – Many to choose from!
- 1-8 PM Wood Carvers – Come watch live chainsaw carving demonstrations with Bear Hollow Wood Carvers! Presented by Bill Harris Auto Center & The Chevy Network.
- 2-9 PM Helicopter Rides (Helicopter Zone) – $60 per person (cash or card), rides are first come, first serve with Interpid Helicopters
- 2-9 PM Monster Truck Rides (Monster Truck Zone) – $10 per person, rides are first come, first serve with Gearheart’s Garage & 4×4
- 4-9 PM Merchant Tents – Featuring local businesses & boutique vendors
- 4:45-5:15 PM Pilot Meet & Greet – come meet the pilots and get signatures while learning more about hot air balloons!
- 5-9 PM Skittlebots – Live musical entertainment (Mechanics Bank Stage)
- 6:30 PM Balloon Lift Off in Memory of Dr. Mary MacDonald (Launch Field) – Enjoy the cold inflation process as pilots and crew prepare hot air balloons to take flight.
- 6:30-9 PM Tethered Balloons Rides (Tether Zone) – $25 per person, rides are first come, first serve with Xclusive Balloons
- 8:15 PM Balloon Glow Encounter (Launch Field) – Tickets for Reserved Premier Seating can be purchased HERE.
- 9:15 PM OhioHealth Balloon Glow (Launch Field) – Enjoy an interactive display as hot air balloons line the launch field and glow against the night sky choreographed to music.
Sunday June 28th
Around 7 AM Balloon Lift Off in Memory of Dr. Mary MacDonald (Launch Field) –Bring your chairs, coffee & blankets to Freer Field to watch!
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