Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival Returns June 7–8, 2025
The skies over Warren County will come alive once again as the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival returns for a two-day celebration on June 7–8, 2025 at Warren Community College in Washington, New Jersey. A hurricane date is scheduled for June 14–15.
This annual, family-friendly event promises an exciting weekend packed with colorful hot air balloon displays, including evening showcases (weather permitting), and tethered balloon rides available for purchase. Tethered rides are priced at $30 for adults, $20 for children ages 4–12, and free for children 3 and under with a paying adult (subject to pilot approval). Full balloon flights can be arranged by calling 908-283-0721.
The festival also highlights cutting-edge technology with drone demonstrations from WarrenUAS, featuring air, ground, and underwater vehicles, and visitors can meet SPOT, the college’s robot “dog.”
Attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment, including live music, a car and truck show, a chalk art contest, and the always-popular June Jumble Combat Robot Competition, where up to 75 combat robots battle it out. Children’s entertainment features Balloons the Clown and juggling duo Grins & Grins, while food trucks, artisan vendors, and free activities at Fascination Place round out the family fun.
Saturday’s lineup includes the Hot Rides & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show, awarding trophies for the Top 10, People’s Choice, and Best of Show. Visitors can groove to the Strolling Dulcimers, a DJ Gold’n dance party, and an evening performance by acoustic duo Stevie Vicks (5:00–8:00 PM).
Sunday brings new energy with the Harmony Garage Band’s balloon festival debut, a performance by the Kudos Barbershop Quartet, and a rocking set by the Easton School of Rock Bank Street Band (5:30–7:30 PM).
The Chalk Art Contest invites youth and adult participants to create original designs along the college’s 1.2-mile walking trail, competing for cash prizes. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and lawn games like quoits or cornhole to relax on the spacious campus lawn. (Please note: pets, outside food, and alcohol are not permitted, though snacks for small children are allowed.)
Discounted advance tickets are available online through June 5 at $10 for adults, $4 for children (ages 4–12), and $5 for parking. A family pack covering up to five people, including parking, is available for $40. Prices increase after June 5 to $12 for adults, $5 for children, and $6 for parking. Tethered balloon rides are sold on a first-come, first-served basis on-site, with sales beginning approximately one hour before the scheduled flights around 4:30–5:00 PM.
For full event details, tickets, and ride reservations, visit www.balloonfestnj.com.
The Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival is made possible in part by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism (VisitNJ.org), with additional support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Warren County Cultural & Heritage Affairs (a Division of the Department of Land Preservation), and the Warren County Board of County Commissioners.
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