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Carolina Balloonfest 2026
The annual Carolina Balloonfest is something that has to be seen in person to truly be appreciated simply WOW.
Carolina Balloonfest 2026
The annual Carolina Balloonfest is something that has to be seen in person to truly be appreciated.
- Looking to stay in Charlotte for the event? Check out the Omni hotel, just a short drive from the NoDa gay district with outdoor pool and “fabulous” rating. NoDa, short for North Davidson, is the city’s arts, entertainment and gay district.
The Balloonfest
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates to Awaiting dates – The 51st Edition.
- As the second longest consecutively held hot air balloon event in the country, the Carolina Balloonfest is held each October in Statesville, NC, just 40 minutes outside Charlotte.
- Carolina Balloonfest attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year who come to see the mass ascensions and competitions and maybe even go for a tethered ride in one of the balloons.
- The event includes traditional shaped balloons as well as specialty shaped balloons, pilot meet and greets, a wine and craft beer tasting garden, live entertainment and, the most popular part of the festival, the Hot Air Balloon Glow on Saturday evening where all the balloons are illuminated against the night sky.
- Tip! Note: Friday nights and Saturday mornings are very busy. For best balloon views arrive by sunrise for morning launches or just before dusk for glow sessions. Weather and wind can cancel ascensions.”
The Balloon Flights, Flyovers and Ascensions
Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled to launch only twice daily; early morning & late afternoon. Tether Rides are scheduled various times throughout the day(s). There are 5 flights scheduled throughout the 3-day weekend
- Pilots prepare to inflate and ascend from the festival field during an ascension. Three weekend ascensions are scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 4-5:30 p.m.
- A flyover is when pilots launch their balloons from remote and strategic areas around the Statesville area and navigate the winds to fly over the festival field while guests watch the pilots accomplish competition tasks.
- Two weekend flyovers are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday morning. The launch window is 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
- Tip! What to bring: Lawn chair and blanket (field site), layers for cool morning/evening air, cash for some vendors, camera or phone (photo-op heaven). Expect crowds especially Saturday
Other Events
- Carolina Balloonfest features two stages, an artisan and marketplace village, a walk-in balloon, a NC wine & craft beer garden and so much more! Adding to the fun, Saturday afternoon will feature a skydiving exhibition.
- Imagine Circus’ Cirque Spectacular show will return to the festival on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, featuring jaw-dropping partner acrobatics, juggling, hoop dance, and captivating aerial acrobatics.
Getting to Carolina Balloonfest
- The event takes place near Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.
- The quickest way to get from Charlotte to Statesville is to drive or to taxi which costs 95€ – 120€ and takes 45 min.
- If you want to stay in Statesville overnight, there are some charming hotels and guesthouses available.
Recommended Charlotte Hotels
The following Charlotte Hotels are all close to the city’s gay bars and attractions and a 40 min drive from the Baloonfest:
The Ivey’s Hotel, Kimpton Hotel, Charlotte Marriott, Hilton Hotel
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Ivey’s Hotel this luxury boutique
hotel is located in Downtown Charlotte
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Carolina Balloonfest visit The Website
Gay Map of Charlotte
127 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
This luxury boutique hotel is located in Downtown Charlotte and features a continental breakfast in the Library Lounge and free WiFi. The Mint Museum of Craft Design is 100 m away.
Rooms include a 55-inch 4K flat-screen TV, mini bar, and an en suite outfitted entirely white marble. Select rooms include a floating bathtub. Extras include Frette Italian linen and a single-serving Nespresso coffee machine.
100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Charlotte Marriott City Center is located in the heart of downtown Charlotte. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi in public areas. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre. Parking is offered for a fee.
The air-conditioned rooms of Marriott Charlotte City Center feature modern decor. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable. A coffee maker and small refrigerator are provided as well. Some rooms offer access to the M Club Lounge.
222 East 3rd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Ideally placed in the center of Charlotte city centre, this hotel is directly across from the Charlotte Convention Center and features a large variety of modern services and state-of-the-art amenities. Spectrum Center is 480 metres' walk away.
The Hilton Charlotte Uptown features spacious guestrooms furnished with the latest technologies, including flat-screen TVs, MP3 compatible radios and wireless internet access.
303 South Church Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Set in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, this Kimpton hotel offers crafted cocktails and shareable bar snacks at Merchant & Trade, a Modern-style rooftop bar 19 levels above Romare Bearden Park. Shopping at Epicenter is 8 minutes' walk away.
Rooms and suites boast a flat-screen cable TV, a pillow-top mattress, and a Carrera marble bathroom with Atelier Bloem bath amenities. Kick back with a park view in some Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel suites and 24-hour room service.
820 East 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Conveniently situated in the centre of Charlotte this apartment features 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine and 1 bathroom, offers a patio, air conditioning. Free WiFi
East Stonewall Street & South Brevard Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Boasting a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a garden and views of the city, All units are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room, a well-equipped kitchen & dining area, a bathroom with shower
360 South Graham Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
All units here are air-conditioned with a flat-screen TV, a living room, a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, coffee machine & dining area, a bathroom with shower, free WiFi & free private parking
200 East Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
All of the air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, living room, flat-screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen and balcony. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and private parking is available on site.
3935 Queen City Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208
A friendly "neighborhood gay bar" where the MEN meet. Popular with bear and leather guys
It's ALWAYS a GREAT TIME at The Woodshed!!
4544 South Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209
The Carolina's only LGBTQ+ Sports bar. Where friends come to meet friends.
We're always ready to have fun: Join us
4544 South Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209
Bar Argon is Charlotte's newest and only gay video Lounge and dance bar.
The owners want to provide the Queen City with a new vibe for its diverse community.
With a massive bar fully stocked with beer, wine, and cocktails and great music videos, you'll be sure to find a reason to stay and relax with the LGBT community and their friends.
1919 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
Cozy little gay bar and night spot with live music, dance parties, karaoke, and events of all kinds. 21+
2301 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208
Charlotte's Longest Running Gay Nightclub with Live shows each night catering to the LGBTQ Community!
Home of the Miss Gay NC America Pageant!
316 Rensselaer Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
The Bar at 316 is the Queen City's Best LGBTQ Club/Bar with the best in entertainment, drag shows and bar staff.
Often viewed as the "neighborhood" LGBTQ bar since it is a "friendly" place for visitors and regular patrons (family), the bar has weekly karaoke, video bar, game night, drag show, pool, dancing, special entertainment & more.
3217 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
Chasers Charlotte NoDa...Is Owned By Queen City Favorite Tiffany Storm.Everybody Welcomed, Hot Male Go,Go Dancers, With Pool, Dancing and Drag Shows.
Doors open nightly at 9pm. With male go/go dancers from 10pm-2am.
Also features some of the best local and national drag superstars.
Recommended Hotels in Charlotte By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Boston that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Ivey’s Hotel
5 Star – Luxury
- 5 Star – Exquisite Floating Bathtub
- Close to the gay district
- White marble en suite
- Choose for luxurious downtown experience, continental breakfast, & unique floating bathtub.
Kimpton Charlotte
4 Star, Style
- 4 Star – Rooftop Bar Views
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Marble bathroom
- Stay for uptown style, rooftop cocktails, & park view suites with 24-hour service.
Charlotte Marriott
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star – Modern Decor, Club Lounge
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Modern decor, flat-screen TV
- Ideal for downtown access, complimentary WiFi, & rooms with modern amenities.
Hilton Charlotte
4 Star – Perfect Location
- 4 Star – Convention Center Access
- Close to the gay district
- State-of-the-art guestrooms
- Perfect for central location, direct convention center access, & connection to YMCA Health Club.
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