Michigan Bucket List: Hot Air Balloon Festivals
Caroline Samuelsen
| 3 min read
The old question is on our minds again: what am I going to do this summer? We have just the thing for you - hot air balloon festivals.
Hot air balloons offer the chance to see the breathtaking sight of different colors flying through the sky and learn about the physics of the balloons. There are plenty of opportunities across the state to see these spectacles. We have a list of a few different locations and dates where you can see a hot air balloon festival in Michigan.
Hudsonville Balloon Festival 2024
When: June 21-23
Where: Hudsonville Fairgrounds
Details: This festival offers family entertainment, crafts, vendors, food, and hot air balloon flights. Entry to the event is free, and parking costs $10.
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell
When: June 28-30
Where: Howell High School at 1200 W. Grand River Road, Howell
Details: You’ll find a full slate of entertainment and amusements, including performers, an open-air market, a classic car show, food courts, and a “Balloon Glow” event that lights up Saturday night. The event provides a shuttle from downtown Holland to the festival grounds and back. General admission tickets are$5, and a weekend pass is $10.
2024 Field of Flight in Battle Creek
When: July 3-7
Where: W.K. Kellogg Airport at 15551 S. Airport Road, Battle Creek
Details: This festival combines hot air balloons with air shows and displays from Air Force members and civilian pilots. There will also be live music, food and drink vendors, a carnival, a kids’ day, and fireworks. Tickets can be purchased for individual days on the website.
Jackson Hot Air Jubilee
When: July 19-21
Where: Ella Sharp Park at 3225 4th St., Jackson
Details: The Hot Air Jubilee in Jackson is host to the US Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Championship again in 2024. Eighteen pilots will compete in this year’s championship. There will also be a car show, helicopter rides, vendors, and the “Kids Kingdom” with free carnival games. The event is free.
Midland Area River Days & Balloon Festival
When: August 1-4
Where: Downtown Midland
Details: This year, there will be a kids’ stage with entertainment, balloon glow events Friday and Saturday nights, and competitive balloon flights. Tickets can be purchased at the event.
Kalamazoo Balloon Fest 2024
When: August 16-18
Where: Gull Meadow Farms at 8544 Gull Road, Richland
Details: Food trucks, meet and greets with balloon pilots, and balloon glows are expected at this year’s festival. Parking is $5, and admission to the event is free.
Metamora Country Days & Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: August 23-24
Where: Metamora Lions Club at 3790 N. Oak St., Metamora
Details: Visitors are sure to enjoy the many festivities that include music, games, arts and crafts, fireworks and of course, the more than 20 balloons. Admission to the event is free.
Wayland BalloonFest
When: September 6-7
Where: Calkins Field at 3755 S Division, Wayland
Details: This year, the festival will have a kids’ carnival, car show, vendors event, live music, and of course balloon flights and a balloon glow! There will also be a memorial walk for suicide prevention. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Balloons Over Bay Harbor - Petoskey Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: September 20-22
Where: Bay Harbor Village 4000 Main St., Bay Harbor
Details: Visit Bay Harbor during this festival weekend for balloon launches and night glows, as well as a 3K Color Run fundraiser for Kali’s Cure, live music, food trucks, an artisan market, and other family fun activities held throughout the weekend. Tickets can be purchased at the event.
Related Links:
- Detroit Juneteenth Celebrations in 2024 (ahealthiermichigan.org)
- The Foodie Focus: Spotlighting Michigan Restaurants Focused on Clean Eating (ahealthiermichigan.org)
- Michigan Bucket List: Must Visit Lavender Festivals in Michigan (ahealthiermichigan.org)
