Balloon Glows are one of my favorite events, and the Plano Balloon Festival is one of the biggest in the state, celebrating 40 years in 2019! In addition to the Balloon Glow, there will be fireworks, children’s activities, the Re-Max of Texas Parachute Team, and so much more!
The InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival is celebrating 40 years of ballooning in Plano during the three-day weekend that begins September 20. This annual festival is held in the City of Plano, proudly known as the Official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas. More than 85,000 guests are expected to attend this 40th birthday party set in Plano’s largest park, the Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve.
“This is our birthday year and we are extremely excited about it! The InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival brings in pilots from all around the country and offers our community a low-cost, family fun event. The City of Plano does an outstanding job of supporting this event each year,” says Executive Director, Jo Via.
The festival starts on Friday, September 20 at 4:00 p.m. and features 50 hot air balloons, the RE/MAX of Texas Parachute Team, Metro by T-Mobile is presenting Downtown Fever and T-Mobile is presenting Moving Colors Band on the KLUV Main Stage. Pyrotex is loaded to launch two orchestrated and customized Spectacular Firework Show at 9:00 p.m. presented by Bimbo Bakeries USA on September 20 and 21.
The Central Market Kids Fun Zone is for kids of all ages to race through obstacle courses, ride the berry-go-round, get their face painted, and zip down huge inflatable slides. The “Toddler Zone” is designed to be just the right size for younger children and the free Kids Korner offers craft stations and art activities. Ride tickets are $2 each or an all-day play wristband is available for $20 a day.
Tethered rides allow guests to float high above the crowd and hover 20-30 feet up but does not launch or fly away. Passengers age 6-12 may ride for $15 per person and adults are $25 each. The tethered rides are scheduled according to regular balloon activities.
The KDFW FOX 4 Community Stage has an exciting line-up: North Texas Performing Arts, Plano Children’s Theatre, Plano Children’s Chorus, Pogue Entertainment Group, Lee’s US Taekwondo, Events in Motion, Shufflin’ Shoes Cloggers, Griffin Holtby, The Dance Movement’s Fusion Performance Company, Abstrakt Krew, and Pure Dance Movement Power Dancers.
The Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K races provide an epic adventure for runners to see the soaring hot air balloons while they take strides toward the finish line. Participants receive a commemorative finisher medal, two tickets to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival and custom race shirt. Advance registration is required for these races held Saturday, September 21, 2019 and Sunday, September 22, 2019. http://www.pbfraces.org.
Free bus service is for anyone who wants to ride the “balloon flyer” from the DART Parker Road Station to the festival. Additional parking options are detailed on our website: http://www.planoballoonfest.org
About Plano Balloon Festival, Inc.
The Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 organized in 1987 for the purpose of staging a premier community-based and family-oriented hot air balloon event, offering other local non-profits volunteer opportunities within the Festival operations. The Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. makes a direct impact on the Collin County community by dispersing funds to participating non-profit agencies and has donated more than $3 million since inception.
Know Before You Go
Admission is $10/person, or you can purchase a 3-day ticket for $20. $5 for children 3-12 and seniors 65+. FREE for children 36″ and under.
Bring cash for parking and the vendors.
Bring a light blanket to sit on during the Balloon Glow.
Close-toed shoes are always a good idea.
Don’t forget a carry-size package of baby wipes for dirty hands, etc.
Pack sunscreen and bug spray, just in case.
Pets can easily be spooked by the lights, flare ups on the balloons and fireworks, and are not suggested.
Balloon Glow
The Balloon Glow is Friday and Saturday Night at 8:00pm and you won’t want to miss it! Arrive a little early to get a good place to sit and watch as the night lights up!
Fireworks
You’ll want to stick around after the Balloon Glow to watch the amazing fireworks show that follows! The show should begin at 9pm!
Live Music
There will be a live band playing on both Friday and Saturday Night.
Children’s Area
There is a great children’s area where kids can play. Activities are $2/each or all day wristbands are $20.
Food and Drinks
There are non-profit food and drink vendors on site, and you can bring your own food and drinks. No glass or alcohol.
Go Ape Zip Lines and Tree Top Adventures
The fun zip lines and adventure park will be on an amended schedule due to the Balloon Festival, but will be open all 3 days! It’s a great time to visit!
While You’re in Plano, check out these other fun activities, too!
Play
Visit Southfork Ranch from the TV series, Dallas! They have horseback trail rides and you can tour the mansion!
The Crayola Experience is a must for kids of all ages! I honestly have as much fun as my kids!
Eat
My pizza-loving kids insist on Taverna Rossa anytime we are in Plano! Keep in mind they just order cheese pizza, but I love the Texas Brisket Lasanga, and Killer Queso, and my son will also devour the meatballs!
Plano Balloon Festival
Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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