New Yorkers are used to looking up and seeing some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers piercing the skyline. From the Empire State Building to One World Trade Center, our city has a way of drawing our eyes upward. But later this summer, a trip to the Hudson Valley will offer a completely different kind of view overhead.
For one magical weekend, the skies above the Valley will fill with dozens upon dozens of colorful hot-air balloons floating above rolling hills, orchards, and open countryside. Returning for its 35th year this September, the beloved Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is set to once again transform the region into one of New York’s most breathtaking seasonal destinations.
Drawing balloonists from across the country, the festival has grown into a cherished Hudson Valley tradition, welcoming thousands of visitors each year for a weekend packed with sky-high spectacles and family-friendly fun. More than 120 hot-air balloon ascensions are scheduled throughout the three-day event, giving attendees plenty of opportunities to watch the balloons take flight against the backdrop of early fall foliage.
🪄The Magic of Flight: Balloon Rides and Festival History
What began decades ago as a modest, single-day gathering has gracefully soared into a premier Northeast tradition.
Hosted annually by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event has expanded over 35 years from a small, coordinated local launch into a massive three-day spectacular that welcomes upwards of 25,000 global visitors to the rolling hills of Tymor Park.
At the heart of this legacy is the rare opportunity to experience oldest flight technology in existence. Attendees can choose between thrilling full-flight journeys—soaring for 45 panoramic minutes during the peak “golden hours” of dawn and dusk—or family-friendly tethered rides that lift passengers 30 to 50 feet above the ground. Seeing these giants inflate up close offers a front-row seat to a timeless aviation marvel that continues to capture the imagination of generations.
🗓️ Daily Schedule and Weekend Festivities
The festival is packed with activities from sunrise to nightfall. Across the three days, organizers have planned five mass hot-air balloon ascensions totaling over 120 balloon flights.
Beyond the jaw-dropping sights in the sky, the ground festival is bursting with entertainment:
- Evening Magic: Watch the breathtaking Majestic Hot-Air Balloon Illumination “Moon Glow” each night, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
- Family Fun Zones: Bring the kids to the Bubble Zone, the Drone Zone Obstacle Course, and the Two-by-Two Animal Haven Exhibit.
- Food & Drink: Fuel up at a massive lineup of local food trucks and relax in the Craft Beer & Wine Tent.
- Artisans & Music: Shop the Hudson Valley Handmade Artisans market while enjoying live music and entertainment all weekend long.
- Morning Yoga: Wake up early on Saturday or Sunday for a completely free Sunrise Yoga session right on the lawn as the morning balloons lift off (festival admission ticket required).
🚀 How to Book a Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Want to take to the skies yourself? The festival offers two distinct ways to experience a hot-air balloon ride. Because slots are incredibly limited, full flights almost always sell out months in advance.
Full Hot-Air Balloon Flights ($350.00 per person)
This is the ultimate, bucket-list experience. The entire adventure lasts roughly 3 hours from setup to pack-up, including a breathtaking 45-minute flight over the scenic Hudson Valley. Upon landing, you’ll enjoy a traditional champagne toast with your pilot and crew before riding back to the launch site in the team’s chase vehicle.
- Morning Flights (6:30 AM): Check-in is strictly at 5:30 AM.
- Evening Flights (5:30 PM): Check-in is strictly at 4:30 PM.
- Booking Note: A $75 non-refundable deposit is charged online at registration. The remaining balance must be paid in cash only at check-in. All riders must be at least 48 inches tall to see safely over the basket edge.
Tethered Balloon Rides ($30.00 per person)
If you want a taste of flight without soaring miles away, tethered rides lift you up safely above the festival crowds while secured to the ground by heavy-duty ropes. These tickets are sold onsite only at the ride booth on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎈 Know Before You Go
Planning your weekend getaway? Keep these essential rules, dates, and locations in mind to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip:
- 📅 Festival Dates: Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2026.
- 📍 Main Location: Tymor Park, 249 Duncan Road, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.
- ⏰ Festival Hours: Morning gates open at 5:00 AM (events run 5:30 AM – 9:00 AM). Afternoon/Evening gates open at 2:00 PM (events run 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM).
- 🎟️ Online Tickets Only: Tickets must be purchased in advance online. No tickets will be sold at the gate under any circumstances.
- 🌬️ Weather Dependent: All balloon inflations, ascensions, and rides are wind and weather permitting. Pilots make the final safety call right at flight time.
