The annual hot air balloon festival in Connecticut is fast approaching.
Hosted by the Plainville Fire Company, this festival hosts multiple scenic balloon launches over Norton Park, as well as providing entertainment and vendors.
Learn all the details to make the most out of your day at this state tradition below.
When and where is Connecticut’s hot air balloon festival in 2024?
In 2024, the festival will take place on Friday, Aug. 23 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
The festival happens on Norton Park in Plainville, Connecticut, located at 1-15 Norton Park Rd.
Admission to the festival is free, though certain attractions cost money.
What attractions are at the Connecticut hot air balloon festival?
Balloon Launches & Glows
Balloon glows will happen on both Friday and Saturday, and the balloons will be launched on Saturday at both 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Balloon rides are offered by some companies for a fee. Rides must be arranged with the individual balloon company, or on the Connecticut Lighter than Air Society website.
Entertainment
According to the event’s Facebook page, the festival’s entertainment schedule is as follows:
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Friday 8/23 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m. – Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums
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Friday 8/23 6:30 p.m.-9:15 p.m. – Shaded Soul
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Saturday 8/24 12 p.m. – Lu’s Dance Crew
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Saturday 8/24 1-3 p.m. – Saint Jay
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Saturday 8/24 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. – TOP
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Saturday 8/24 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. – Nick Rose
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Saturday 8/24 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Wint Fenderson and the Crossroad Band
Rides
For the first time ever, the festival will have rides this year. The whole family can enjoy various games and seven rides, including a giant slide. Ticket prices for rides have not yet been announced.
Fireworks
A firework show will take place on Friday night around 9:15 p.m. If the weather is bad, the fireworks will move to Saturday night.
Car Show
A tradition at this festival, the car show will happen on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and trophies will be awarded at 2 p.m. No bicycles, skateboards, burnouts or pets allowed.
Vendors
The festival will host various craft, business and food vendors.
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How to park at CT’s hot air balloon festival
There is no public parking available at Norton Park, unless for motorcycles or vehicles with an authorized placard for accessible parking.
This year, there will be shuttle buses between the event and two offsite parking locations. The Robertson Airport route will pick up and drop off at the corner of South Washington St. and Madeley Court, and the second route will pick up and drop off at the parking lots of Plainville High School and and GE/ABB.
There is one exception to the no parking rule – the 6 a.m. balloon launch. During this event on Saturday morning, the public is allowed to park at Norton Park, as long as the cars are removed before 9 a.m.
Other information about the hot air balloon festival
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Drones are not allowed, as they are dangerous to the balloons.
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There is no rain date for this event.
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Pets are allowed, but highly discouraged.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Plainville Air Balloon Festival Connecticut 2024: How to go