New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning Celebrates 40 Years Beginning July 28th

The highly anticipated 40th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning is set to take place on July 28-30, 2023, at Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey. This event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the magic of ballooning, featuring a mesmerizing display of up to 100 gigantic, colorful hot air balloons soaring through the skies of Central Jersey.

As the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning has gained renown for its exceptional lineup of specially shaped hot air balloons worldwide. Recognized as the number one family entertainment attraction in the state, the Festival of Ballooning offers an exhilarating experience for visitors of all ages.

This year’s event will feature an impressive array of whimsical and Instagram-worthy balloons that are sure to captivate attendees of all ages.

Among the highlights are a 65-foot-tall, 750-pound bright pink Lucky Pig sponsored by the New Jersey Lottery, a 70-foot-tall replica of the very first hot air balloon flight complete with a sheep, a duck, and a rooster (the first hot air balloon passengers), and a pair of 110-foot-tall bumblebees engaged in a mid-flight embrace.

Adding a touch of pop culture, festival-goers can also marvel at an 86-foot-tall Darth Vader and a 62-foot-tall Yoda, approved by LucasFilm. Other eye-catching balloons include an 80-foot-tall old-fashioned alarm clock with 30-foot-wide hands and a towering 100-foot-tall snowbird penguin.

Attendees can look forward to a headlining concert series featuring renowned acts such as KC and The Sunshine Band, Fitz and the Tantrums, Everclear, Lit, and best-selling children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner.

The festival also includes a mesmerizing nighttime hot air balloon glow, affordable family entertainment and attractions, the Trinity Solar Running with the Balloons 5K race, thrilling stunts by the Fearless Flores Family, children’s amusement rides, exciting interactive exhibits and experiences, a wide array of vendors, delectable comfort food options, and much more.

With an estimated turnout of upwards of 165,000 people, the Festival of Ballooning is set to be a highlight of the summer season. Additionally, 3,500 lucky individuals will have the opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon during the festival, creating lasting memories and an unforgettable experience.

WHEN: July 28, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. July 29, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. July 30, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Solberg Airport, 39 Thor Solberg Road Readington, NJ
COST: Adults: $28-$139 Children ages 4-12: $10-$15 Children ages 3 and under: Free
TICKETS/INFO: For tickets and more information, please visit www.balloonfestival.com.