Tradition Takes Flight: The 2026 Warren County Farmers’ Fair + Balloon Festival Returns

From Saturday, July 25 to Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Warren County Farmers’ Fair featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival returns for its 88th year of affordable family fun. Located just minutes off Route 78, this classic agricultural event offers a perfect summer escape packed with arena action, live music, and high-flying thrills.

Every gate ticket includes full access to the hot air balloon festival, essentially offering two major events for the price of one. Mass balloon launches fill the sky each evening at 6:30 PM, weather permitting. Visitors can book full-flight experiences in advance by emailing fly@balloonfestnj.com, or they can enjoy nightly tethered rides starting around 5:00 PM for $20–$30 per person.

The Main Arena promises a high-octane lineup throughout the week. Opening day features the Bullride Mania Rodeo and horse barrel racing, followed by Demolition Derbies on Sunday and Friday. Thursday brings the heavy truck and tractor pulls, while closing day introduces a brand-new Action Sports Show showcasing world-class BMX and freestyle motocross riders.

Adding to the excitement, a massive fireworks celebration will light up the sky at dusk on Sunday night, July 26, with a rain date scheduled for Monday. Provided courtesy of the Warren County Board of County Commissioners, this spectacular show is held in special celebration of our nation’s 250 years of freedom.

Special admission days honor community members, offering free admission to Veterans and active-duty military on Sunday, July 26, and to seniors on Monday, July 27. Seniors arriving early on Monday can enjoy a dedicated Senior Expo and participate in the popular Senior Chicken-in-the-Pan Toss.

For younger fairgoers, the Kids’ Corral offers free daily crafts and activities, plus a giant opening-day foam party and chances to win tickets to the local Land of Make Believe amusement park.

Beyond the grandstand action, the fairgrounds host traditional 4-H and FFA exhibits, a classic car show, and an antique tractor display. Guests can browse a wonderland of quilts at the Traditional Arts Expo, enter home and garden contests, or try their luck at quirky competitions like fry pan throwing. Adults can relax in the Czig Meister beer garden with nightly live music, while everyone can enjoy carnival rides and iconic fair food, including roasted corn, fresh lemonade, and twelve varieties of homemade pie served a la mode.

Admission is ten dollars for adults, five dollars for children ages six to twelve, and free for children five and under. Parking is completely free, and discounted gate tickets are available online. For advance arena tickets, contest rules, and full schedules, visit www.warrencountyfarmersfair.org.

The Warren County Farmers’ Fair, featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival, is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism. VisitNJ.org.

Funding was provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Warren Co. Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a Division of the Department of Land Preservation, with support from the Warren County Board of County Commissioners.