Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival Returns September 20 & 21

The skies above Warren County will come alive this September as the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival returns to Warren Community College on September 20 and 21. Guests are invited to experience a weekend filled with breathtaking balloon launches, family-friendly entertainment, live music, food, games, and more.

Conveniently located on Route 57 in Washington Township—just minutes from Routes 31, 22, and 78 and less than 90 minutes from both Philadelphia and New York City—Warren Community College provides the perfect backdrop for this annual tradition. Gates open at 1:00 p.m. each day, with festivities running through 8:30 p.m.

Hot air balloons will take center stage each evening, launching between 5:15 and 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Guests can book limited full-flight experiences or enjoy tethered balloon rides, available for $30 per adult and $20 for youth ages 4–12, with proceeds benefiting local scholarships. Each night ends with a patriotic balloon glow featuring the massive America One US Flag Balloon, special shapes such as Fred G. Monster, and a lively dance party with DJ Gold’n. Children will also receive free sound-activated glow bracelets, courtesy of RE/MAX.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including food trucks, artisan vendors, children’s entertainment, and live performances. Saturday features the Hot Rods & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show from 1–5 p.m., with registration fees supporting the Fred Grotenhuis Memorial Scholarships. Sunday brings live music from the TimeWhys band, strolling performances from a barbershop quartet, and family fun with entertainers like Balloons the Clown and the juggling duo Grins & Grins.

Festivalgoers can also test their skills at a wide selection of games. Options include Soccer Darts, vintage arcade favorites at Autocades, and the Gel Blaster, with discounted game ticket packs available for families. Free activities include mini golf, basketball hoops, an escape room, and hands-on crafts at Fascination Place.

In addition to entertainment, attendees are encouraged to visit the WarrenUAS tent to learn about the college’s nationally recognized Unmanned Systems Program, which offers training in drones, AI, and robotics.

Admission is $10 for adults and $4 for youth ages 4–12 in advance, with special family packs available online. At-the-gate pricing is $12 for adults and $5 for youth. Children under three are admitted free, and parking is $5–$6 per car. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Warren Community College Foundation, the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project, and the Fred Grotenhuis Scholarships.

For tickets, car show registration, balloon ride bookings, and vendor applications, visit www.balloonfestnj.com

The Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival is supported in part by a grant from the NJ 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.