Texas, Plano Balloon Festival: A Guide for Travelers

Published on August 30, 2025

Get ready for the exciting H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival, coming to Plano, Texas, from September 18 to 21, 2025. This long-awaited event promises fun for the whole family. As the official Balloon Capital of Texas, Plano will fill the sky with over 30 colorful hot air balloons, capped off each night with a dazzling fireworks show. Festival-goers can also wander through a classic car show, watch thrilling parachutists land right before their eyes, hop on carnival rides, and choose from a tasty variety of food vendors. You won’t want to miss this balloon-filled celebration mark your calendars now!

What to Expect at the Festival

The festival will showcase some spectacular hot air balloons, including unique shapes like Ms. Autumn, a giant pumpkin, and Barnstormer, which features a collection of farm animals and a farmer. Other highlights include Voluntold, a tribute to the first balloon flight in 1783, and fun characters such as Ziggy the Raccoon and Bud E Beaver. The hot air balloons, which include both traditional and special shapes, are a sight to behold as they take to the skies in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Pat Cannon, a two-time U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Champion and the current president of the Balloon Federation of America, will serve as the festival’s Balloonmeister. His role will be to ensure the safety of pilots and manage the flight operations throughout the event. The festival also offers opportunities for volunteers to assist the hot air balloon pilots, making it an interactive and hands-on experience for all.

Schedule of Key Events

• September 18: Balloon Glow at 7:30 p.m.
• September 19: Balloon Glow at 7:30 p.m., sponsored by RE/MAX of Texas
• September 20: Balloon Launch at 7:00 a.m., Balloon Glow at 7:30 p.m., sponsored by H-E-B | Central Market
• September 21: Balloon Launch at 7:00 a.m.

The Balloon Glow events will light up the night skies, with the balloons illuminated in vibrant colors, offering a beautiful photo opportunity for attendees. The morning balloon launches will provide stunning views as the balloons take off at sunrise, making it a memorable experience for all.

Other Attractions

Beyond the hot air balloons, the festival offers numerous activities for all ages:

• Parachute Exhibitions: Watch the RE/MAX of Texas Parachute Team as they perform thrilling jumps from high above.
• Classic Car Show: Explore a collection of vintage and classic cars, perfect for automobile enthusiasts.
• Fireworks: Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display by Pyrotex on September 18-19 and Thomas J. Henry on September 20.
• Concerts: The FOX4 Main Stage will feature performances by the Plano Symphony Orchestra, Ice House Band, Midtown 10 Band, and the Plano Community Band, providing an excellent soundtrack to the festivities.
• Kids Fun Zone: A carnival area for children featuring rides, inflatable slides, and arts and crafts activities at the Whataburger Kids Korner.

Food and Vendors

Visitors will have no shortage of delicious food options. You can enjoy classic festival treats like funnel cakes, turkey legs, corn dogs, and grab a bite from the Portillo’s Beef Bus. For those looking for something a little different, a variety of food trucks and vendors will be serving up everything from local Texas specialties to international cuisine.

The festival also features a merchandise market with 35 vendors, and 22 local non-profit agencies will be on-site, contributing to the community spirit of the event.

Ticket Information and Pricing

The festival is open to all and offers affordable admission for families:

• General Admission: $10
• Kids (Ages 3-12): $5
• Seniors (65 and Over): $5
• Kids (Under 36”): Free
• Prime Parking: $15
• Off-site Parking: $10
• Kids Fun Zone Wristband: $20 (unlimited rides)
• VIP Concert Experience: $50 for the Plano Symphony Orchestra concert

Festival Hours

• September 18: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 19: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 20: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 21: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Travel and Parking Tips

For those planning to drive, the festival offers off-site parking with a free shuttle to the event grounds. Parking passes can be purchased online for $10. For the best parking experience, VIP parking is available for $15 near the entrance.

If you’re planning to attend the Balloon Launch events, be prepared to arrive early to get a good viewing spot. The mornings can be busy, especially on September 20 when the balloons take off at 7:00 a.m.

Plan Your Visit

For extra details on the festival, tickets, and parking, check the official site. Keep in the loop by following the festival on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and live updates.

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival is a can’t-miss stop for anyone after a fun, family-friendly day. This festival shows off the stunning colors and graceful rise of hot-air balloons right in Plano, Texas. Whether you’ve lived here forever or are just passing through, there’s a little something for everybody.