What to know for the 2024 Adirondack Balloon Festival

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Adirondack Balloon Festival is returning to Glens Falls and Queensbury for its 51st year. The festival is set for September 19 through 22 at Crandall Park and Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.

The Adirondack Balloon Festival was founded in the early 1970s and was originally held at SUNY Adirondack before it outgrew the site. The festival is a non-profit organization run each year by volunteers. Today, the event draws more than 100,000 people over four days.

The event is free and open to the public each year. Here's what you need to know if you're planning on attending the Adirondack Balloon Festival.

Schedule

• September 19, Crandall Park in Glens Falls
  • Opening musical performance from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Opening ceremonies with food vendors and kids activities at 5 p.m.
  • Flight of up to 15 balloons from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
  • The Refrigerators from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Balloon Moonglow at 7:45 p.m.
• September 20, Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury
  • Gates open to the public at 3 p.m. Craft fair, kids activities, and vendors open.
  • Musical performance from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Flight of up to 70 balloons from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• September 21, Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury
  • Food vendors, craft fair, kids activities and games open at 5 a.m.
  • Flight of up to 100 balloons from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
  • Musical performances from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Musical performance from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Flight of up to 50 balloons from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
  • "Lighting Up the Night" with over 40 balloons at 7:45 p.m.
• September 22, Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury
  • Food vendors, craft fair, kids activities and games open at 5 a.m.
  • "Walter’s Mass Ascension" with up to 100 balloons at 6:30 a.m.
  • Gates close at 10 a.m.

Balloons flying greatly depends on the weather. Balloon will not fly in the rain or during high winds. Flights may be put on hold during those times to see if the weather improves.

In addition to free entry, parking at the festival is free. Charter buses and self-contained RV's are welcome on the grounds. Camping is not allowed on site but there are off-site options.

Pets, drones, and smoking is not allowed at the event. Organizers ask that attendees bring their patience as there may be heavy traffic around the festival.