Join Us for the 2026 Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival

Mark your calendars for the 39th Annual Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2025, at Norton Park in Plainville, Connecticut. This beloved community tradition features vibrant hot air balloons, live entertainment, family-friendly attractions, and more—all supporting the Plainville Fire Company’s fundraising efforts, including scholarships and assistance to local organizations.

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Event Highlights

• Balloon Launches

  • Saturday, August 29: Early morning launch at 6:00 AM and evening launch at 6:00 PM.

  • Note: All launches are weather-dependent and at the discretion of the pilots.

• Balloon Glow

  • Friday, August 28: Experience dazzling balloons glow as tethered balloons light up the evening sky.

• Fireworks Display

  • Friday, August 28: A spectacular fireworks show is scheduled around 9:15 PM. In the event of inclement weather, the show will move to Saturday night.

• Rides & Games

  • Enjoy expanded amusment rides, including a giant slide, and games for all ages.

• Arts & Crafts Fair

  • Shop from nearly 100 vendors offering handmade crafts, local goods, and information booths.

• Food & Beverages

  • Delight in food truck favorites with a record number of offerings, highlighting a variety of different cuisines.

• Live Entertainment

  • A lineup of local and regional performers will provide continuous music and shows throughout the festival.

• Car Show

  • Saturday, August 29: View a diverse collection of classic and specialty vehicles at the festival’s car show.

Parking & Shuttle Information (Click here for more Parking/Shuttle Info)

• Off-Site Parking

  • Available at Robertson Airport (62 Johnson Ave) and the former GE/ABB lot on Woodford Ave.

  • A $5.00 cash-only fee applies to support shuttle services.

• Shuttle Buses

  • Continuous service between parking areas and Norton Park. Strollers are permitted.

• Handicapped Parking

  • Limited availability at Norton Park with appropriate signage. You must have a placard on display before entering the traffic pattern on South Washington St.

• Morning Launch Access

  • For the 6:00 AM launch, limited parking at Norton Park is allowed, but all vehicles must relocate by 9:00 AM. There is NO BUS SERVICE for this launch. 

Share Your Festival Moments

We welcome your photo submissions. Please email landscape-oriented photos to info@plainvillefireco.com.

Volunteer Opportunities

Help us make this event possible. We are always seeking enthusiastic volunteers. Click here to access the application.

Vendor & Entertainment Applications

• Vendors - After reviewing the Vendor/Crafter Information found here, you can Apply Here to be considered for our 2026 event

• Food Trucks  - Click here to apply

Balloon Pilots

Click here for more information and an application!