Plano Balloon Fest

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

**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

TICKETS ON SALE!

Tickets are officially on sale for the 2023 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival as of Friday, July 14. The four-day event is September 21-24 and special shapes include: Mister Z, Fire Dog, Spider Pig, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Leopard, and Daz – the Whirling Rascal.

Admission, tickets and parking pricing are as follows:

$10 General Admission
$5 Kids Ages 3-12
$5 Seniors 65 and Over
FREE for Kids 36” and Under
$10 Off-site Parking and $15 Prime Parking
$20 All Day Kids Fun Zone Ride Wristband
$2.50 Per Ride Kids Fun Zone
$20 Kids Ages 6-12 Tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride
$30 Tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride
$50 VIP Plano Symphony Orchestra Concert

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival is continuing the collaboration with the Plano Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, September 21. A limited number of VIP Tickets are available for $50; and include prime parking at First United Methodist Church, Festival admission, special VIP reception at 6:00 p.m. and VIP seating for the 7:30 p.m. concert on the FOX 4 Main Stage.

FESTIVAL WILL OPEN EARLY TO CELEBRATE THE PLANO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival & Run will open one day early to celebrate the Plano Symphony Orchestra’s 40^th Anniversary Season. The Festival will be opening to the public on Thursday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. to kick-off the weekend with music, hot air balloons, festival food and vendors, along with the famous Central Market Kids Fun Zone. The special community concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and offers families the opportunity to enjoy the orchestra in an outdoor setting while the hot air balloons glow in the background. The music will include pieces from films like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magnificent Seven, Silverado, and favorites from James Bond films.

“We understand the importance of celebrating big anniversaries and welcoming the Plano Symphony Orchestra to the 2022 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival & Run will mark the first time the Symphony has performed an outdoor, family friendly, community concert. We’re very excited to showcase the Plano Symphony Orchestra at this year’s Festival and can’t wait to be part of this wonderful evening.”
Jo Via, Executive Director of Plano Balloon Festival, Inc.

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!

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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