QUEENSBURY — The Adirondack Balloon Festival will return in September for its 48th year, with a brand-new format, expanding to include a new event at East Field in Glens Falls, multiple launch sites throughout Warren and Washington counties, a drive-through moonglow, and more.
“This will not be the same-old, same-old Adirondack Balloon Festival you know from years past,” says Mark Donahue, President of the organization’s Board of Directors, in a statement. “Due to COVID, we had to totally reinvent the festival this year. We are excited to bring back the joy and wonder of the mass ascensions, while keeping safe and still having fun.”
The 48th annual Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 23 to 26, in multiple locations. The event is 100% free for the community. Festival Merchandise, one of the event’s biggest fundraisers, will be for sale at select events, with a smaller selection than in previous years.
Thursday evening, September 23: Downtown Glens Falls block party with live music, candlestick balloon torch firings, sidewalk sales, and more.
Friday evening, September 24: Inflation of more than 50 balloons in five different communities, including Glens Falls, Queensbury, South Glens Falls, Hudson Falls and one more to be finalized. The Balloon Festival comes to you! This is safer because the crowds will be spread out.
Saturday morning, September 25 : Mass ascension at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, New York, of 50 balloons including special shapes. (Note, pre-COVID launches were 100 balloons.) The balloons will be roped off, spread out along both runways, and you can drive right in, saving spectators the long walks of previous years. This year, the Balloon Festival cannot allow vendors, children’s activities, or the Open Door breakfast. Pilots can’t take paid passengers this year.
Saturday evening, September 25: There will be two moonglows. At the airport, you can attend a drive-through moonglow to observe 40 tethered balloons on display, lit up from within. There will also be a brand-new event at East Field with a live band, 8-10 balloons, and possibly a fireworks display! The details of the band and fireworks are still in the works.
Sunday, September 26: Mass ascension at the airport of 50 balloons including special shapes, with the same setup as Saturday.
The Adirondack Balloon Festival’s launches are subject to weather conditions. The balloons cannot fly for safety reasons if it is too windy or if there is inclement weather. For more information, visit www.adirondackballoonfest.org.
