A symbol of adventure, imagination, and love, hot air balloons have traveled the skies since 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers designed the first documented paper and silk balloon that flew over Paris on November 21, 1783, manned by Francois Pilatrê de Rozier and Francois Laurent, Marquis from Arlanders. And although hot air balloons have never really gone out of fashion, balloons have once again graced the pop culture stage, trending in the event and design community and making cameos on “hot” television shows like the District-inspired, Season 3 hit Bridgerton.
Season 3 Episode 3 shows the romance and spectacle of balloons spread across Europe during the Regency period as Colin Bridgerton, played by actor Luke Newton, bravely saves the day of an escaped balloon anchor and becomes the talk of the Queen’s “Innovation Ball”. . Whether it’s a Netflix hit or not, balloons as an experience trend can be found in every travel guide, in many travel shows, webcasts and podcasts, and are easy to spot when scrolling through popular sources like Pinterest, Instagram and Tik Tok.
The historical relevance of balloons came to North America in 1793 with the first manned flight of a hydrogen gas balloon piloted by Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard on January 9, 1793 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not to be outdone by the French court, American icon George Washington celebrated and watched America launch itself.
Beyond the history lesson, balloons are a decadent activity for couples and families alike. Ballooning represents adventure in a way that many travel activities do not. An experience that is always exclusive because no two balloons will be the same. The sight of the birds, the colors of the sun or the sunrise as the wind carries the rider between the clouds is difficult to imitate. And if those who have had the pleasure of experiencing the launch of this magnificent sky chariot, will feel the magic of the balloon not only from the sky, but also from the audience.
“When the hot air balloon fills the sky, the view from the earthly point of view becomes enchanted and we can’t take it away. We want to see how the giant balloon flies, where it goes, and where it is going. Seeing the balloon fly for the first time is truly unforgettable. shares Kristie Darling , the President of Big Oh!
American festivals, art exhibitions, private and corporate events continue to celebrate and innovate the balloon, a traveling tradition from coast to coast. Experience balloon adventure and romance by adding this event to your 2024 travel itinerary.
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Pike Peak region, the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off held August 31st through September 2nd connects participants with Colorado’s natural beauty. The 3-day event offers several activities including a sunrise hot air balloon flight, live musical entertainment and street performers, local food and beverage vendors, hiking, fishing and paddle boarding as balloons dance over Prospect Lake, a 5K race and an evening balloon glow. More than a balloon festival, the Labor Day Lift Off encourages participants to spend time enjoying Downtown Colorado Springs and regional hotspots like the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Cripple Creek or Cog Railways.
Carolina BalloonFest wants to surprise you with barbecue and balloons in the heart of Carolina
With Americana and Southern hospitality, the Carolina BalloonFest is a relaxed event that will be held October 18th through the 20th in Statesville, North Carolina. The festival features a morning hot air balloon competition, a mass ascent, a tethered balloon ride and an afternoon balloon glow. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment on two stages, street food concessions, an artisan market and village, local wine and beer vendors, plus an aerialist circus show and skydiving exhibit. Carolina BalloonFest hosted by National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. is also a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donating a portion of its proceeds each year to local non-profits and organizations.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a 9-day festival held October 5th to 13th in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring 550 hot air balloons and 100+ custom-shaped hot air balloons representing 16 countries. The 360-acre Balloon Fiesta Park also hosts Twilight Twinkle Glow™, Balloon Glow, and Night Magic Glow™ featuring hundreds of hot air balloons in a static display, lighting up the night sky. Now popular throughout the United States, twilight inflation known as “glow balloons” was invented in Albuquerque in 1979 by a local pilot. Balloon Fiesta launched the first official Balloon Glow in 1987 and continues the tradition every year with each glow launch followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
These are just a small sample of the balloon events and experiences that can be found throughout America. Other popular events frequented by balloon enthusiasts include the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival in Winchester, California, the Great Reno Balloon Race in Reno, Nevada and the New Jersey Lottery Balloon Festival in Readington, New Jersey.
Balloons make for a wonderful travel experience for families, couples and groups. With events to suit every taste, location and travel need, finding the right balloon-filled adventure is just a web search away.
Anna Marie Imbordino
Anna Marie Imbordino is an award-winning communications artist from Charleston, SC. His love for history and art keeps him traveling, looking to experience not only the places, but the people who make our stories.
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