Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
Take to the skies—or simply watch in awe—as dozens of colorful balloons rise above the scenic Hudson Valley at the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival, taking place August 30 through September 1, 2025, at Tymor Park in Union Vale, NY.
What is the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
Hosted by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, this beloved Labor Day weekend tradition celebrates its 33rd year with breathtaking balloon launches, thrilling rides, family-friendly activities, and a full slate of food and entertainment. Whether you’re an early riser catching a morning ascent or staying for the glow of the evening launches, this unique event promises high-flying fun for all ages.
What to expect at the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
Hot-Air Balloons, Glows, and Tethers
Over 75 Balloon Launches All Weekend Long
The highlight of the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is, of course, the spectacular hot-air balloons. With mass launches scheduled twice daily—once at dawn and again around sunset—spectators can enjoy picture-perfect views as balloons of every shape, size, and color fill the sky.
Want to get even closer to the action? Balloon rides and tethered balloon experiences are available for those looking to lift off themselves. Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked through the event website.
In the evening, don’t miss the dazzling balloon glow—a favorite among photographers—where grounded balloons light up in choreographed unison to music, illuminating the park in a rainbow of color.
Family Fun, Food Trucks, and Live Entertainment
In addition to the balloon launches, Tymor Park transforms into a full festival grounds with activities for all ages. Enjoy:
Live music and entertainment throughout the weekend
A wide variety of food trucks offering everything from BBQ and tacos to sweet treats
Local vendors, artisans, and community booths
A beer and wine tent featuring regional favorites
Kids’ zone with bounce houses, games, and family-friendly fun
This event is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley.
Balloon Rides
For an unforgettable experience, reserve a hot-air balloon ride and take in panoramic views of the Hudson Valley like never before. These rides lift off during the scheduled morning and evening launch windows and last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on wind and weather conditions. Riders should arrive early for check-in and pre-flight briefings. Balloon rides must be booked in advance through the festival website and typically sell out quickly, so early reservations are strongly encouraged.
Want to get a taste of flight without going far? Tethered balloon rides offer a shorter, budget-friendly alternative, lifting you 30–50 feet off the ground while remaining anchored—great for families and first-timers.
In the evening, don’t miss the dazzling balloon glow—a favorite among photographers—where grounded balloons light up in choreographed unison to music, illuminating the park in a rainbow of color.
When is the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival?
The festival will take place Labor Day Weekend 2025 from Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31 at Tymor Park in Union Vale.
On Friday, the gates will open at 2:30 pm and close at 8:30 pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be two launches, one in the morning starting at 5:30 am with gates closing at 9:00 am and a second launch starting at 2:30 pm and gates closing at 8:30 pm.
Schedule of Events
Friday, August 29
2:30 PM ► Gates Open
3:00-4:00 PM ► Pilot Meet & Greet and Poster Signing at Rides and Information & Souvenir Tent
3:00-8:00 PM ► Live Music
3:15 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
4:00 PM ► All About Ballooning – Live Pilot Presentation
4:45 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
5:30 PM ► Hot-Air Balloon Launch & Tethered Rides (wind and weather permitting)
6:30 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
7:30 PM ► Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow & Fireworks Show
8:30 PM ► Gates Close
Saturday, August 30 (morning)
5:30 AM ► Gates Open
6:30 AM ► Hot-Air Balloon Launch & Tethered Rides (wind and weather permitting)
6:30 AM ► Sunrise Yoga
8:00 AM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
9:00 AM ► Gates Close
Saturday, August 30 (evening)
2:30 PM ► Gates Open
3:00-4:00 PM ► Pilot Meet & Greet and Poster Signing at Rides and Information & Souvenir Tent
3:00-8:00 PM ► Live Music
3:15 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
4:00 PM ► All About Ballooning – Live Pilot Presentation
4:45 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
5:30 PM ► Hot-Air Balloon Launch & Tethered Rides (wind and weather permitting)
6:30 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
7:30 PM ► Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow & Fireworks Show
8:30 PM ► Gates Close
Sunday, August 31 (morning)
5:30 AM ► Gates Open
6:30 AM ► Hot-Air Balloon Launch & Tethered Rides (wind and weather permitting)
6:30 AM ► Sunrise Yoga
8:00 AM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
9:00 AM ► Gates Close
Sunday, August 31 (evening)
2:30 PM ► Gates Open
3:00-4:00 PM ► Pilot Meet & Greet and Poster Signing at Rides and Information & Souvenir Tent
3:00-8:00 PM ► Live Music
3:15 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
4:00 PM ► All About Ballooning – Live Pilot Presentation
4:45 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
5:30 PM ► Hot-Air Balloon Launch & Tethered Rides (wind and weather permitting)
6:30 PM ► Two By Two Animal Haven Presentation
7:30 PM ► Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow & Fireworks Show
8:30 PM ► Gates Close
Tickets for the Festival
Ticket prices vary depending what launch you will be attending and what activities you take part in.
Evening tickets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are $23.95 for admission. Morning admission tickets on Saturday and Sunday are $13.95.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Tethered hot air balloon rides are $30.00 per person, cash only at the event and cannot be reserved ahead of time.
Hot air balloon rides should be purchased ahead of time as they sell out quickly. Tickets are $350 per person for a full flight. Select the date you’d like to book and reserve your balloon here.
Take Amtrak to the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
For Directions to Poughkeepsie Station, click below.
Attend the Rhinebeck Antique Car Show via Amtrak to the Poughkeepsie Station in Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
From the Poughkeepsie Station, taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Poughkeepsie office today at (845) 485-2222.
Attractions & Things to do near Poughkeepsie
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