If you’re looking for an autumn event the whole family will remember, mark your calendars now: the 47th annual Ravenna Balloon A-Fair lifts off September 24-27 in downtown Ravenna and at the Portage County Fairgrounds.
What’s New + What to Love
A Bigger, Better Venue
The bulk of the festivities happen at the Portage County Fairgrounds (4215 Fairground Rd., Atwater), which means room for the balloons, vendors and family activities, plus a full slate of events downtown.
Schedule Highlights
- Thursday, Sept. 24 kicks things off downtown with a Children’s Parade. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Prospect and Spruce streets, the parade steps off at 6:30 p.m., and a magic show follows from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 25 moves to the fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m., with live music from Whiskey Outlaws at 5:30 p.m. and Embers of Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band, at 8 p.m. At dusk there’s a Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, when tethered balloons light up on the field. Tethered balloon rides begin at 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 26 splits between downtown and the fairgrounds. Downtown, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., there’s the Grand Parade, an awards ceremony on the courthouse lawn, live entertainment on two music stages, a petting zoo, craft and food booths, and Children’s Alley performers. At the fairgrounds, gates open at 3 p.m. for the Jeep Show and Car Crush, followed by live music and a balloon lift-off window from 5 to 6 p.m., weather permitting.
- Sunday, Sept. 27 is fairgrounds-only. Gates open at 1 p.m. for live music, a car show at 3 p.m., and a balloon lift-off window from 5 to 6 p.m. There are no tethered balloon rides on Sunday.
Family Friendly and Fun for All Ages
This isn’t just about hot air balloons, though those are a sight to behold. There’s plenty else going on:
- Tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides, monster truck rides, a mechanical bull, and for the littlest ones, trackless train rides, face painting and a petting zoo.
- Downtown events include kid-focused programming in Children’s Alley, plus performances and demonstrations throughout the day.
- Food vendors, craft booths and a wine and beer garden give parents something to enjoy while the kids run around.
Practical Details for Parents
- Dates: September 24-27
- Location: Downtown Ravenna and the Portage County Fairgrounds, 4215 Fairground Rd., Atwater
- Admission: Downtown Ravenna is free. Fairgrounds admission is $10 per person per day, and parking is free. Kids 12 and under get into the fairgrounds free.
- Activity pricing: Tethered balloon rides are $30 per person and run Friday and Saturday only. Helicopter rides are $45 per person, monster truck rides are $10, the mechanical bull is $10 for two rides, and trackless train rides are $3.
- What to bring: Cash and card, since both are accepted in different areas, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a jacket for the evening since it’s worth checking the weather. No pets other than working dogs, no drones, and no bicycles or skateboards at the fairgrounds or downtown.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Between the spectacle of glowing balloons at dusk, live music, parades and enough kid-friendly activities 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 relaxed way.
If you’re up for one last burst of warm-weather fun before fall settles in, this is your kind of weekend.
Learn more and check for schedule updates at ravennaballoonafair.com.
