Plano Balloon Fest

LIVE MUSIC, SKYDIVERS, LASER SHOW AND FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

Hot air balloons may fill the sky, but there’s plenty happening on the ground at the 2026 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival. The four-day celebration returns September 17-20 with a full lineup of live music and performances on the FOX4 Main Stage, high-flying exhibitions by the RE/MAX of Texas Parachute Team, family attractions, carnival rides, festival food, tethered balloon rides and a new Laser Show by Boom Special Effects.

The festival’s entertainment lineup offers guests something to experience throughout the weekend between scheduled balloon activities. FOX4 returns as Main Stage sponsor with musical acts and community performances, while attractions throughout Red Tail Pavilion / Oak Point Park create a full festival experience for guests of all ages.

New this year, a Laser Show by Boom Special Effects will replace the previously scheduled fireworks display. Continued dry conditions and the current burn ban make the traditional fireworks show unsuitable this year, giving festival organizers an opportunity to introduce a colorful nighttime production while prioritizing safety.

The Team Behind the Flame: How Pinnacle Propane Helps Fuel the Festival

When spectators look across the field at the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival, they see colorful balloons, glowing burners, and thousands of feet of fabric rising into the Texas sky.

What they don’t always see is the fuel that makes it all possible.

For many years, Pinnacle Propane has served as the festival’s propane provider, helping ensure balloon pilots have the fuel they need for launches, balloon glows, demonstrations, and other festival activities. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in bringing one of North Texas’ most beloved traditions to life.

RISE & SHINE SEPTEMBER 18-21

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival will “Rise & Shine” on September 18-21 in a four-day celebration of ballooning at Oak Point Park. The annual event is a family-friendly weekend of activities with magnificent hot air balloons, spectacular fireworks show, carnival rides, fair food, cultural performances, live bands, and local vendors. The Festival is sponsored by H-E-B, Central Market, FOX 4, RE/MAX, BMW, and Whataburger; and funded in part by the City of Plano.

Children of all ages can experience the Whataburger Kids Korner Free Art Tent located in the Central Market Kids Fun Zone full of inflatables, slides and rides. Stroll the park and shop hand-crafted artwork, toys, gifts, apparel and other merchandise from 35 merchandise vendors providing an assortment of décor, artwork and more. Climb in the front seat of an ultimate driving machine, experience exceptional customer service and exclusive offers with BMW of Plano.

THINGS ARE REALLY LOOKING UP!

“Things Are Really Looking Up” for the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival & Run that is celebrating its 43^rd year on September 23-25. The City of Plano is the Official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas and this annual ballooning tradition will be held at the Red Tail Pavilion / Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. The three-day weekend features more than 30 colorful hot air balloons, a RE/MAX parachute team exhibition, live entertainment on the FOX4 Main Stage, a spectacular fireworks show, marketing sponsors, food concessions, arts and crafts vendors, a kids fun zone, and more!

2022 RACE REGISTRATION IS OPEN WITH LOW FEES VALID THROUGH OCTOBER 31

The 2022 Plano Balloon Festival Races are officially scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 24 (5K & 1K) and Sunday, September 25 (10K & Half Marathon); once again featuring the Elevate and Sky High Challenges! New commemorative finisher medals will be designed and given to all participants at the completion of each distance.

PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL BOARD CANCELS 2021

The Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 H-E-B Central Market Plano Balloon Festival that was scheduled for September 17 – 19. With the continued increase in COVID cases, specifically the Delta Variant, the Festival board and staff has considered the health and safety of our Festival pilots, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors our top priority. In making this difficult decision we are mindful of the extremely large number of families that attend the event, the majority of which have children under 12 years of age.

Providing a safe environment for everyone that visits the event is crucial, especially for our youngest attendees. Safety has been at the forefront of our Festival from the very beginning and that will not change. This was not an easy decision, but the right one to make. We deeply appreciate the support of our partners, sponsors, and the community; and look forward to the best festival ever in 2022.

2021 H-E-B | CENTRAL MARKET PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL & RUN IS REALLY HAPPENING

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival & Run is really happening September 17-19 at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. Epicureans with delicious appetites know that H-E-B | Central Market, as the title sponsor, is “Really Into Food.” Attendees will experience an enchanting opportunity as balloon enthusiasts who are “Really Into Balloons.”

“The Plano Balloon Festival is the signature event of Plano and beyond. We’re thrilled to be able to support this tradition that brings so much community spirit, beauty and notoriety to our area.”
Mabrie Jackson, Director of Public Affairs, H-E-B | Central Market

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