Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival at Fairgrounds is Back, July 12-14!

This year’s Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is back and promises more of everything—more eye-catching “shape balloons,” more vendors, and more attendees.
 
The festival, presented by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce (DCRCOC), is in its 28th year of hosting balloonists from all over the country, and will once again take place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, on July 12th, 13th, and 14th. The Fairgrounds treats spectators to a 360-degree view of the balloons; gives guests free and easy parking; and allows balloonists room to launch, offer paid rides to the public, and interact with the crowd.
 
The Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival hosts over 100 balloon launches throughout the weekend, with mass launches scheduled for 6 pm in the evenings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the popular sunrise launches at 6 am—which are free and open to the public—on Saturday and Sunday. An exciting variety of other activities will be available at all times. These include a craft beverage tap tent with live music, over 100 vendors, food trucks, hayrides, family friendly games, and “balloon presentations,” where balloonists will answer commonly asked questions about the art of ballooning.
 
Festival-goers can purchase full flight balloon rides and helicopter rides, which are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, online in advance.. Tethered hot-air balloon rides are available on a first-come-first-served basis. These rides are $20 per person, cash only. Spectators should arrive an hour early to allow extra time for traffic and to ensure seeing the balloons inflate and launch. For more information and to reserve your ride, visit https://www.dcrcoc.org/balloonridereservations. It is extremely important to note that all rides and launches are weather- and wind-permitting.
 
Crowds at this year’s event will be wowed with even more uniquely shaped character balloons, as well as some new attractions, including a 22-foot high “firetruck slide,” and antique airplane displays and weather-permitting flyovers, courtesy of Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Festival favorite, the Majestic Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow. where balloons light up the night sky from the ground, will return for Friday and Saturday night, accompanied by the Aerophone Community Band.
 
Based on last year’s positive experience, which drew nearly 35,000 to the event, DCRCOC President & CEO Frank Castella, Jr. says, “I am confident that this one will be even bigger and better!” The festival has evolved into a Hudson Valley tradition, drawing visitors from all over the world. This year’s Event Sponsors are Q92 and Bottini Fuel. For a full list of sponsors visit balloonfesthv.com
 
Advance discounted tickets are available online. Visit balloonfesthv.com for festival tickets and balloon ride reservations, schedule and festival information, and a full list of sponsors and vendors. Updates, including weather information, will be posted on the website at balloonfesthv.com, as well as on The 28^th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival Facebook and Instagram pages during the event. Please share your photos using hashtag #hvballoonfest.
 
Call for Volunteers
The 28^th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is calling for volunteers! Anyone interested in volunteering at the festival can do so by visiting our volunteer portal on balloonfesthv.com. All volunteers who work at least one shift will be given a HV Balloon Fest T- shirt and two tickets for the events. There will be a Balloon Buffoon Crew Training for anyone who wants to learn how to be balloon crew. Keep up with our social media for updates.
 
Note to the Editor
We will be hosting a Media Launch on July 10^th at the Fairgrounds. Attendees will receive a media kit.  Live music, food and drink will be provided. We’d love to have you attend, take pictures, and enjoy a tethered ride on one of the hot-air balloons! Photo opportunities and interviews can be arranged with the balloon pilot, as well as with integral members of the 28^th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. If you are interested, or for further information, contact Ayla Rector, Director of Marketing and Communication, at ayla@dcrcoc.org or call 845.454.1700 x 1020.