Plano, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Plano Balloon Festival is set to return for its 46th edition, showcasing over 30 vibrant hot air balloons from September 18 to September 21. Scheduled attractions include a Classic Car Club Show, nightly Balloon Glow displays, skydivers, and the renowned Pyrotex Fireworks Show. Admission varies, and family-friendly activities are also available. With expected attendance around 100,000, this four-day event promises excitement for attendees of all ages at the Red Tail Pavilion at Oak Point Park.
Plano — The Plano Balloon Festival returns for its 46th year from September 18 to September 21 at the Red Tail Pavilion at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy. More than 30 hot air balloons of varied shapes and colors will be launched during the four-day event, which is expected to draw approximately 100,000 attendees. The festival opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 and concludes at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 21.
Event overview and top attractions
The festival features multiple daily events and evening highlights. Key attractions include REMAX skydivers, a Classic Car Club Show, nightly Balloon Glow displays, morning balloon launches, and a Spectacular Pyrotex Fireworks Show. Live music is scheduled throughout the weekend with performances by the Plano Symphony Orchestra, Midtown 10 Band, Children’s Chorus of Collin County, Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute, and ICE House Band.
Admission, tickets and purchasing
Admission is free for children under 36 inches. Tickets cost $5 for children aged 12 and under and for senior citizens, and $10 for adults. Tickets will be available online with cashless ticketing options at the gate during the festival. Organizers advise buying tickets only through the official website or at the gate to avoid ticket scams.
Schedule and daily timing
The festival’s scheduled start is 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, and activities continue through the morning of Sunday, September 21, ending at 11 a.m. Specific event times for launches, the Balloon Glow, and the fireworks show may vary and remain subject to weather conditions.
Location, parking and transportation
The festival site stretches along Spring Creek Parkway, with food and merchandise booths lining the corridor from Jupiter Road to Parker Road. On-site and off-site parking options are available for a fee. Designated parking lots at Collin College, First United Methodist Church, and Community Unitarian Universalist Church are priced at $15 per car. Off-site parking at the Plano Event will be available for $10 per car. A free private bus service will operate from the DART station at Parker Road and Archerwood Street to the festival grounds.
Vendors, food and local businesses
Festivalgoers will find approximately 35 local vendors offering hand-crafted décor and unique gifts. Food options include classic fair fare such as funnel cakes and a variety of other items sold at multiple booths.
Family features and activities for children
Families can use the Kid’s Corner for art activities and games, and visit the Central Market Kids Fun Zone, which will include inflatables, slides, rides, and an art tent. Children under 36 inches are admitted free, and discounted admission applies for young children and senior citizens.
Rides, demonstrations and special experiences
Tethered balloon rides will be offered on-site, providing controlled ascents for attendees. Long-distance balloon flights are not available through the festival. Additional experiences include vehicle test drives provided by BMW of Plano and displays such as the Classic Car Club Show. All balloon glows and launches are weather-dependent and may be altered or canceled for safety reasons.
Accessibility and operations
Tickets are available online ahead of the event, with cashless purchases accepted at the gate. Organizers reiterate the importance of purchasing tickets only from official sources to prevent fraud. Weather conditions will influence several key attractions, particularly balloon activities and nightly glows.
Background
The Plano Balloon Festival marks its 46th consecutive year, continuing a longstanding regional tradition of hot air balloon launches, family entertainment, and community-focused activities. The multi-day format combines daytime demonstrations, evening glow events, music, food, and vendor marketplaces to create a comprehensive festival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the festival take place?
The festival runs from September 18 through September 21 at the Red Tail Pavilion at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy. Events start at 5 p.m. on Thursday and conclude at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
How much do tickets cost?
Children under 36 inches are admitted free. Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under and for senior citizens, and $10 for adults. Online tickets are available and cashless ticketing will be offered at the gate.
Where can I park and what are the fees?
Parking is available at Collin College, First United Methodist Church, and Community Unitarian Universalist Church for $15 per car. Off-site parking at the Plano Event costs $10 per car. A free private bus will run from the DART station at Parker Road and Archerwood Street.
Will there be balloon rides?
Tethered balloon rides will be available on-site for controlled ascents. Long-distance balloon flights are not offered. Balloon glows and launches depend on suitable weather conditions.
What family activities are available?
The Kid’s Corner offers art activities and games. The Central Market Kids Fun Zone includes inflatables, slides, rides, and an art tent. There are also food booths, vendor stalls, and live music for all ages.
How can I avoid ticket scams?
Tickets should only be purchased through the festival’s official website or at the gate. Organizers caution against third-party sellers and unauthorized resale.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 18–21 |
| Location | Red Tail Pavilion, Oak Point Park — 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy |
| Balloon Count | More than 30 hot air balloons |
| Expected Attendance | Approximately 100,000 |
| Main Events | Balloon Glow, Morning Launch, REMAX Skydivers, Pyrotex Fireworks, Classic Car Show |
| Admission | Free for under 36 inches; $5 children & seniors; $10 adults |
| Parking | $15 at select lots; $10 off-site; free festival shuttle from DART station |
| Vendors | About 35 local vendors, food booths along Spring Creek Pkwy |
| Family Activities | Kid’s Corner, Central Market Kids Fun Zone, inflatables, art tent |
| Special Offers | BMW of Plano test drives; tethered balloon rides (no long-distance flights) |
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW: Plano Balloon Festival 2025
- Dallas News: Plano Balloon Festival 2025 Events
- Local Profile: Volunteers Wanted for Festival
- Star Local Media: 5 Things to Do in Plano
- Travel and Tour World: Guide for Travelers to Plano Balloon Festival
- Wikipedia: Plano Balloon Festival
- Google Search: Plano Balloon Festival
- Google Scholar: Plano Balloon Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plano Balloon Festival
- Google News: Plano Balloon Festival
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