For the first time ever, the legendary Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival will be taking place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. Now in it's 27th year, the expanded 2018 edition of the Balloon Festival will be happening on July 6th, 7th and 8th. 25 hot-air balloonists from around the country will participate in more than 100 balloon launches during the weekend, with mass launches are scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday; this is slated to be the largest Balloon Festival to date, with full balloon and helicopter flights, and tethered balloon rides also available throughout the event. Morning balloon launches on Saturday and Sunday will be free and open to the public from 5am to 9am - making for a wonderful opportunity for spectators and photographers alike.
All rides are weather and wind-permitting, but activities will be available at all times during the three-day festival, including a craft beverage tap tent, live bands, vendors, food trucks, family activities, and more. Advanced discount tickets and All Weekend Access Passes are now available. To view the current schedule of events, click here. |