Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival Launches September 23 & 24

Come out to Warren County and explore the beautiful terrain – rolling hills and valleys, streams, fields and forests. Nestled in Washington Township, Warren Community College is where you will find the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival taking place September 23 & 24.

Hot air balloons will take off each evening between 5:15-6 p.m. (weather permitting). Limited full-flight hot air balloon rides are available. Other hot air balloon rides include tethered rides, a short up and down for $25 per adult and $20 for youth ages 4-12, and the Fred G. Monster Balloon Glow.

Gates open at 2 p.m. and the festivities run until 8 p.m. each evening. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors, children’s entertainment, live bands and DJ, tethered rides, games and of course, the mass balloon launch and glow with Fred G. Monster in the evenings.

You won’t want to miss the drone demonstrations from 3:30-4:30 p.m. each day by Warren Community College, as they showcase the College’s extensive – and nationally recognized – Drone/Robotics/AI program.

Purchase tickets at the Balloon Ride Tent for tethered rides, as well as tickets for some of the games. Tickets are $5 each and each attraction may require more than one ticket. Or purchase a Game Saver Wristband & Punch Card, available for $30 per person. The wristband includes an Autocades Games Trailer, DP Golf -SNAG (Starting New At Golf) with PGA Golf Pro, David Plarre, Ax Throwing with Bury the Hatchet and a Bounce House.

Saturday entertainment features Country/Folk Musician Michael Patrick, Drew Nugent & Midnight Society, Phydeaux Flying Flea Circus, and the magic and comedy of Balloons the Clown. Sunday entertainment includes Moss Henry and the Bryophytes, DJ Golden “Lift Off” dance party, Circus Skills with Grins & Grins, and Balloons the Clown.

Sunday features the Hot Rods & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show, from 2-5 pm, with all the registration fees supporting the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project. Pre-registration is just $15 and includes entry into the event for you and your riders. Registration day of the event is $20.

Registration/check-in for the car show begins at 1 p.m. The top 10, participants judged and the Best of Show, the panel judged will be awarded at 5 p.m. Download the details and pre-registration form from the website.

General Admission:
Save on Advance Tickets at www.balloonfestnj.com. Handling fees apply.
Adult: $8
Youth Ages 4-12: $4
Ages 3 & Under: Free
Parking: $5 /car

At the Gate: Cash or Credit.
Adult: $10,
Youth ages 4-12: $5
Ages 3 & Under: Free
Parking: $5 /car

Warren Community College has plenty of lawns to spread out and social distance. Pets, food, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited (with the exception of snacks & beverages for small children). Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and small games like quoits, and corn hole.

Proceeds from the event support the Warren Community College Foundation, the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project, and the Fred Grotenhuis scholarships (fredgscholarships.org).

For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.

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