2024 HOT AIR BALLOONS AND PILOTS

In celebration of our 45 years, the 2024 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival is going to Light Up The Sky on September 19-22! This year includes 10 big-eared and smiling special shape hot air balloons: Annie the Ladybug, Larry the Bear, Flying Saucer, Ziggy, Amelia Bearhart, Mango the Seahorse, Purple People Eater, Gizzmo, Mr. Z and Haunted Mansion!

Yes, you can take a ride in a hot air balloon, but not fly away. Experience the sensation with a Tethered Ride that takes you up in the air hovering 20-30 feet above the ground for several minutes. This is just the right amount of time to get the feeling of floating, take magical photos and videos, and check “ride in a hot air balloon” off your lifelong list of things to do. Passengers must sign a waiver, be at least six years of age and rides are offered during the festival, weather permitting.

Opening day is Thursday, September 19 and the four-day festival weekend continues through Sunday, September 22. TICKETS are available online or at the gate. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 – kids 3-12 years old, $5 – Seniors 65 and older, free for kids 36″ and under, and free for all Military and First Responders (with valid ID).

MR. Z
Pilot: Dan Stukas
Central, South Carolina
ZIGGY
Pilot: Mike Fielding
Oak Point, Texas
ANNIE THE LADYBUG
Pilot: Michael Celentano
Frisco, Texas
H-E-B
Pilot: Amie Cato
Reno, Texas
WHISK AWAY
Pilot: Joshua Cato
Reno, Nevada
AMELIA BEARHART
Pilot: Michael Ford
Fort Worth, Texas
GIZZMO
Pilot: Matt Robison
Fort Worth, Texas
LARRY THE BEAR
Pilot: Brian Chase
Moscow, Pennsylvania
MANGO THE SEAHORSE
Pilot: Rollie Little
Glendale, Arizona
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