Hot air balloons are impressive and majestic, whether you’re witnessing dozens of them float gracefully through the air from the ground, or soaring into the skies inside a tethered balloon. Either way, there’s something magical about those giant, floating orbs! Here are some festivals around Ohio where you can witness hot air balloons and get in them!
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival
June 5-7, 2025
Coshocton Fairgrounds, 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton
This free family event has been a favorite of visitors for almost 30 years. The event features several days of balloons coming and going, a midway with rides for the kids along with the traditional fair food, and special live musical entertainment. Spectators come from all over the state to enjoy watching 20 or more balloons taking off and landing, and the popular “night glow.”
Ashland Balloon Fest
June 26-29, 2025
Freer Field, 1264 Center St., Ashland
This year, the Ashland Balloon Fest is celebrating 35 years of coloring the Ashland skies with hot air balloons and creating memories for everyone. At this free family event, you’ll find lots of hot air balloons, food and merchant vendors, live entertainment, activities for kids, spectacular balloon glows and much more.
The Ohio Challenge
July 18-19, 2025
Smith Park, 2301 Windekind Dr., Middletown
The Ohio Challenge brings vendors from all around the country! Enjoy plane shows and rides, tethered balloon rides, firework shows, car shows, night balloon shows and hot air balloons. Eat food from one of the many different food vendors, shop from merchants selling various goods, and have fun with a wide variety of carnival rides for kids and adults alike.
United Way of Defiance County Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 2, 2025
Defiance County Airport, 20399 Airport Rd., Defiance
Enjoy live music, kids’ fair inflatables, a touch-a-truck, a petting zoo, pony rides, delicious food, a marketplace, and of course, the balloons! Flights are scheduled for Saturday morning and evening, with an encore glow event at the end of the night. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets so you can spread out and safely enjoy this wonderful community event.
Flag City BalloonFest
August 8-10, 2025
Emory Adams Park, 1827 S. Blanchard St., Findlay
It’s the 25th year of the Flag City BalloonFest, where you can enjoy a kids’ fair, food vendors, balloon launch, helicopter rides, petting zoo, car and motorcycle show, and the famous glow encounter!
Ravenna Balloon A-Fair
September 25-28, 2025
Sunbeau Valley Farm, 3229 OH-59, Ravenna
The farm will be lit for a hot air balloon glow at dusk, live music, food vendors, beer and wine vendors, inflatables, axe throwing, mechanical bulls and helicopter rides. Saturday September 26 kicks off with the grand parade, food and craft vendors, live music and entertainment in downtown Ravenna. Starting at 3 p.m., the fun is at Sunbeau Valley Farm with a hot air balloon launch, followed by a static display that lets you get up close to the balloons, live music, a Jeep Show and a fireworks display.
