Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival Floats Over Dutchess County

Date Published: August 16, 2023

It’s that time again – the 32nd Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival, hosted by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce returns Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. This annual event has become one of the most popular weekends for visitors to flock to Dutchess County, and for good reason. Tymor Park is a scenic venue for nearly a hundred vibrant balloons to take flight!

The weekend is an Instagram dream with sunrise and sunset photo ops as the balloons launch into the sky! Throughout the day enjoy vendors offering craft beverage tastings, specialty foods, helicopter rides, gifts and more! Balloonists will have room to launch and fly in all directions, resulting in unforgettable 360 degree views. 

Don’t just come to the fest to watch the balloons, experience one for yourself! Try a tethered hot-air balloon ride for $25 (cash-only at fest). Limited full flight balloon rides will be available by advance purchase only. Schedule morning or evening flights for golden hour views and memories that will last a lifetime. To reserve your untethered hot-air balloon ride over the Hudson Valley, click here. 

Not into the balloon rides? The Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is a magical experience from the ground as well. Local chefs bring their a-game through onsite food trucks, serving up delicious Thai, Jamaican, farm-to-table American and Mediterranean tapas. Plus, sample Hudson Valley craft beer, cider, wine and more. Live music builds an incredible energy at the festival from 3-8 p.m. each day: Hollywood Herb, Amanda Ayala and Lucky House take the stage for Labor Day weekend jams.

There's also a balloon walk, where visitors can check out the view from inside one of the massive, colorful balloons. The two weekend fest days kick off with sunrise yoga as the balloons take off. Then, each evening culminates in a Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow event followed by a dazzling fireworks show.

Afternoon launches are at 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and mornings at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival runs Friday, 2:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 5:30-9 a.m. and 2:30-8:30 p.m.; Sunday 5:30-9 a.m. and 2:30-8:30 p.m. A live pilot presentation "All About Ballooning" educates visitors each day at 4 p.m. prior to the evening launch. To view the full schedule of events, click here.

Tymor Park is the largest town park in New York State and the venue for the ever-popular Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. This scenic 500-acre stretch of land was once an iron mine during the American Revolution. Today, its miles of trails, disc golf courses and the stunning Fishkill Creek draw hikers and recreational athletes.

Follow the Fest on social media #HVBalloonFest for updates all Labor Day weekend!