Collierville Balloon Festival is held every September in Collierville, east of Memphis, Tennessee. The fun festival weekend features a mass ascension of over 20 balloons, tethered balloon rides, balloon glows, carnival rides, an arts and crafts fair, live music, and food vendors. The Collierville Balloon Festival is a non-profit organization, supporting educational programs in the community.
Festival Program
The festival starts each day at sunrise with a mass ascent of hot air balloons. This event depends highly on the weather. The afternoon program runs from 3 to 10 pm. The festival grounds are located on Maynard Way (behind Walmart). Morning events are free to attend; however, tickets are needed for the afternoon program.
Entertainment
Entertainment at Collierville Balloon Festival includes live music, a Kids' Zone, midway games, and fun activities for all ages. Tethered balloon rides will also be available for an additional fee after 6 pm. The Festival Marketplace features many talented local artists and artisans, who offer their amazing works. A fun-filled day at the festival ends with an Evening Balloon Glow. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch this amazing show.
Tickets
Single-day admission for adults is $15, for children (4 – 12 years)—$8. Weekend passes for adults are $25, for children (4 – 12 years of age)—$15. Special tickets or wristbands are required for carnival rides and midway games. These tickets are available on-site only. Tethered rides, available after 6 pm, are $20 per person. Tethered rides will occur, weather permitting only, and tickets are only available on the day of the event.
A limited number of balloon flights is available for sale during sunrise and afternoon launches. Balloons take off from the field on Maynard Way, weather permitting. Rides are $300 per person plus booking fees. A general admission ticket to the festival is also necessary to book a ride.
Parking
No parking for the general public is available on the field. Attendees are encouraged to park for free at St. Patrick's Church, First Baptist Church of Collierville, and West Collierville Middle School. From these locations, shuttle buses run in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. No shuttle buses are available for the sunrise balloon launches.
