If you’re looking for an autumn event the whole family will remember, mark your calendars now: the 46th annual Ravenna Balloon A-Fair lifts off September 25-28, 2025, in Ravenna, Ohio. This year’s festival brings even more thrills as many activities have relocated from Sunbeau Valley Farm to the spacious Portage County Fairgrounds — plus lots going on downtown.
What’s New + What to Love
A Bigger, Better Venue
The bulk of the festivities have moved to the Portage County Fairgrounds (4215 Fairground Rd., Atwater, OH), which means more room for the balloons, more vendors, and more family-friendly fun.
Schedule Highlights
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Thursday, Sept. 25 kicks things off downtown with a Children’s Parade (registration begins at 5:30 p.m.), followed by magic from Tada the Magician.
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Friday, Sept. 26 moves to the fairgrounds: gates open at 5:30 p.m., and at dusk there’s a Hot Air Balloon “Night Glow” — when tethered balloons light up in the dark sky. Live music includes The Conkle Brothers followed by Embers of Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band.
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Saturday, Sept. 27 brings a split day. Downtown, from 9 a.m. to late afternoon, there’s the Grand Parade, arts & crafts booths, children’s entertainment (think petting zoos, reptile shows, youth choirs), and more.
Then at the fairgrounds in the afternoon and evening: balloon lift-offs, the Jeep Show (with a Car Crush!), followed by bands and fireworks to wrap up the night. -
Sunday, Sept. 28 keeps things more relaxed but still full of activity. Between noon and evening, enjoy tribute bands, a car show, another balloon lift-off, plus family staples like inflatables, petting zoo, face painting, and games.
Family Friendly & Fun for All Ages
This isn’t just about hot air balloons (though those are a sight to behold). There are tons of family-attractions:
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Tethered balloon rides, helicopter tours, monster trucks, mechanical bulls, and – for the littlest ones – trackless trains, face painting, and petting zoos.
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Downtown events include kid-centric zones such as “Children’s Alley”, plus performances and demonstrations.
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Food vendors, craft booths, and wine & beer gardens give parents something to enjoy while the kids run wild.
Practical Details for Parents
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Dates: September 25-28, 2025
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Location: Downtown Ravenna and Portage County Fairgrounds
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Admission: $5 per person (ages 13+), $6 if paying with credit card; kids 12 & under get in free. Car parking is $5.
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What to bring: Cash and card (both accepted in different areas), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, maybe a jacket for the evening ‒ check the weather. Also: no pets (unless working dogs), no drones, no bicycles or skateboards at the fairgrounds.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Between the spectacle of glowing balloons under evening skies, tribute bands, parades, and enough kid-friendly antics to wear them out, Ravenna Balloon A-Fair delivers something for everyone. It’s a chance to enjoy the changing season, entertain the kids, and connect with community in a fun, relaxed way.
If you’re in southwest Ohio and want one last burst of warm-weather magic before fall settles in, this is your kind of weekend.
Learn more and get your tickets by visiting www.ravennaballoonafair.com.
