EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – GENERAL ADMINSSION

SAVE UP TO $10 ON GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

For a limited time save up to $10 per general admission pass. See what’s included with your pass >

What is General Admission?

General admission to the Lancaster Balloon Festival grounds includes:

  • Experience to walk among the balloons as they prepare the mass ascension (many hot air balloons taking off at the same time).
  • Entry into food tent featuring Bird-in-Hand Restaurant, local Amish goods, and a host of local food trucks
  • Up-front view of the balloon glows (Fri-Sat) and fireworks (Sat)
  • Audience to the main stage featuring magic shows, live music, reptile shows, family entertainment, and more!
The following activities are NOT included in general admission and are available for purchase at the event.
  • Bounce Houses
  • Corn Maze
  • Tethered Balloon Ride
  • Amish Buggy Rides
Festival Admission Ticket Refund Policy

General admissions pass purchases are non-refundable and all sales are final. If any festival days are canceled due to weather, unused tickets will be honored for the following year.

General Admission Passes

Select one of the festival days below

Sep 17 Friday
3pm-10pm
$10-$40 Single Pass
or Family Pass
General Admission
Sep 18 Saturday
6am-10pm
$10-$40 Single Pass
or Family Pass
General Admission
Sep 19 Sunday
6am-10pm
$10-$40 Single Pass
or Family Pass
General Admission
Festival Admission Ticket Refund Policy

General admissions pass purchases are non-refundable and all sales are final.

If any festival days are canceled due to weather, unused tickets will be honored for the following year.

Buy a Weekend Pass or Book a Flight

Select from the options below

All Weekend Passes
$20-$140 Single Pass
or Family Pass
General Admission
Want to Fly In A Balloon?
$350/ticket includes general festival admission
Ballon Flight

Plan Ahead for a Successful Trip to the Festival

Rule #1 — Arrive Early. As we get closer to our morning and evening ascensions (but especially the evening), traffic will greatly increase and road congestion around the festival is common. Remember — To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is… disappointing.

Rule #2 — Pack only what you need. Keep your valuables at home – The festival organizers are not responsible for personal items.

Rule #3 — Dress for success by wearing light-colored clothing, baseball caps/wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Rule #4 — Obey the no-no list:

  • No Drones
  • No Outside food/beverages
  • No Pets (except service animals)
  • No Lawn chairs/blankets on the field*

*Lawn chairs and blankets are tripping hazards for balloon crew and attendees, therefore they cannot be used on the field. Lawn chairs and blanks may be used in the Stage area. Please contact us with further questions.

Enjoy The Festival!

2021 Schedule of Events

Friday Night: Sept. 17, 2021


  • 3:00 PM — Gate Opens for Tethered Balloon Rides, Sponsors, Food, Vendors and Corn Maze
  • 4:00 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 4:30 PM — Main Stage – Reptile Show by Forgotten Friends Reptile Sanctuary
  • 5:30 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 6:00 PM — 35+ Balloon Mass Ascension
  • 6:30 PM — Main Stage HeadlinerBobby Law Music & The Rundowns
  • 8:30 PM — Balloon Glow and Music Show

Saturday: Sept. 18, 2021


  • 6:00 AM — 35+ Mass Balloon Ascencion and Balloon Competition
  • 12:00 PM Gate Opens for Tethered Balloon Rides, Sponsors, Food, Vendors and Corn Maze
  • 12:30 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 1:00 PM — Main StageBobby Law Music
  • 2:30 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 4:00 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 6:00 PM — 35+ Balloon Mass Ascension
  • 5:00 PM — Main StageTyler Short
  • 6:30 PM — Main Stage HeadlinerGarret Shultz
  • 8:30 PM — Balloon Glow and Music Show
  • 9:00 PM — Fireworks sponsored by T-Mobile

Sunday: Sept. 19, 2021


  • 6:00 AM — 35+ Mass Balloon Ascencion and Balloon Competition
  • 12:00 PM Gate Opens for Tethered Balloon Rides, Sponsors, Food, Vendors and Corn Maze
  • 12:30 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 1:00 PM — Main StageSilly Joe Sings Kids Show
  • 2:30 PM — Main StageNiels Duinker: World-class juggling & high-energy comedy
  • 3:00 PM — Main StageTrey Alexander Band
  • 6:00 PM — 35+ Balloon Mass Ascension

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do balloons go up all day or is it only at the scheduled times?

Balloon Launches will be at 6 am and 6:00 pm. See the full schedule 

Are there things to do all day or should we just come at the launch times?

There will be music and shows all weekend long! Please see our schedule of events here.

Is there a cost for the corn maze, bounce houses, hay rides and other on-site activities?

Yes, we will have wristbands for sale at the gate that will provide unlimited access to the 5-acre corn maze, 10-12 bounce houses, hay rides, and balloon walk-thru.  Wristbands are $5 for ages 3 years and up. Children under 3 years must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Tethered balloon rides are available for purchase at the festival. $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 13 and under.

Amish Buggy Rides will be available at an additional cost.

What are the weather requirements for a balloon to be able to fly?

Balloons are very weather dependent and generally there can be no rain or thunderstorms in the area and the winds have to be stable and calm. See weather updates

How do we know if flights are canceled?

Announcements will be made over the PA system at the festival, on our website and on Facebook.

See weather updates

Where is the parking?

Free on-site parking is available as well as back up parking within walking distance of the event.

Does parking cost anything

For the 2021 festival there is no parking fee.

Is this a dog-friendly event?

The event does not allow pets except for service animals.

Is there an age requirement?

To fly in the balloons the age requirement is 6 and up but there is none to attend the event!

How long and how high are the tethered rides?

3-5 minutes and fly up to25 to 50 feet depending on the weather.

Is there a fee to get in?

Yes, general admission tickets will need to be purchased for the event. If you book a balloon ride, your general admission ticket is including in your balloon ticket.

What is the refund policy for general admission tickets?

General admissions pass purchases are non-refundable and all sales are final. If any festival days are canceled due to weather, unused tickets will be honored for the following year.

Should we bring lawn chairs/blankets?

Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted in the stage area only. Lawn chairs and blankets will not be permitted on the fields as they are trip hazards for the balloon crews and festival participants.

What is the address of the event?

2727 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird In Hand PA

What is a balloon glow?

A balloon glow is a spectacular sight where the pilots set up their balloons after dark and use the burners and fire to make the balloons glow in the dark!

What is a Hound and Hare race?

A hound and hare race is a competition for the pilots to show off their skills! First one balloon launches, flies for about 15 minutes, then lands and places an “X” on the ground. Then all the other balloons on the field launch and try to drop a sand bag on the “X” and the pilot the closest is the winner!

Are there handicapped accessible balloons?

Yes! we do have some handicap accessible balloons available.

How many balloons will there be?

40+ balloons at this event.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed at the festival?

No. Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed.

Are coolers allowed at the festival?

Yes. Personal coolers are allow.

Want to fly in a balloon?

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