ASHLAND — It’s a rare occasion to glance at a hot air balloon dancing across the skies for viewing pleasure. They’re big, colorful and somehow have the power to magnetize the eyes of curious spectators.
Imagine not only seeing one hot air balloon, but dozens filling the sky with spots of several different shades and hues. There are also opportunities to see the balloons speckle the night sky to choreographed movements. This light show spectacle is accompanied by music.
That’s what makes the annual Ashland Balloonfest a strong summer tradition in Ashland. The 29th annual Ashland Balloonfest at Freer Field by Ashland University will begin Thursday, June 27 and last until Saturday, June 29.
Balloons will be ascending at various times throughout the festival. Barring any inclement weather, balloons are scheduled to be in the air beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Organizers advise visitors to arrive early secure a good vantage point.
Here’s a full list of times balloons can be seen in the air:
Balloon Events
Thursday, June 27
6:30 p.m. – Media Flight
9:15 p.m. – Balloon Glow
Friday, June 28
7 a.m. – Fun Flight
6:30 p.m. – Sponsor Flight
9:15 p.m. – Balloon Glow
Saturday, June 29
7 a.m. – Balloon Competition
6:30 p.m. – Balloon Competition
9:15 p.m. – Balloon Glow
Between flights, several activities will available for families to enjoy. See below for a full schedule of activities or visit AshlandOhioBalloonfest.com for complete details.
Balloonfest Schedule
Thursday, June 27
4 to 6 p.m. ~ Live Radio Remote
4 to 9:30 p.m. ~ Kids Fun Zone (Pony rides, laser tag, inflatables and more)
4 to 10 p.m. ~ Food Concessions
4 to 9 p.m. ~ Merchant Tents
5 to 9 p.m. ~ Live Musical Entertainment, featuring SOBOS
4 to 9 p.m. ~ Bumper Bubbles
6 to 9 p.m. ~ Princesses Visit and Photo Op
6:15 p.m. ~ Opening Ceremony at the Main Stage
6:30 p.m. ~ Media Flight
8:15 p.m. ~ Balloon Glow Encounter (Purchased Tickets here)
9:15 p.m. ~ Balloon Glow
Friday, June 28
7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ~ Fun Flight
4 to 9 p.m. ~ Merchant Tents
4 to 8 p.m. ~ OMG! (Ohio Mobile Gaming)
4 to 9:30 p.m. ~ Kids Fun Zone (Pony rides, laser tag, inflatables and more)
4 to 10 p.m. ~ Food Concessions
5 to 9 p.m. ~ Bumper Bubbles
6 to 8 p.m. ~ Live Radio Remote
6 to 9 p.m. ~ Princesses Visit and Photo Op
6 to 9 p.m. ~ Live Musical Entertainment featuring The Usual Suspects
6:30 p.m. ~ Sponsor Flight
8:15 p.m. ~ Balloon Glow Encounter (Purchased Tickets here)
9:15 p.m. ~ Balloon Glow
Saturday, June 29
7 to 9 p.m. ~ Balloon Competition
8 to 11 a.m. ~ Ashland Balloonfest 5K
8 a.m. to noon ~ Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In
2 p.m. ~ Corn Hole Tournament Registration ($20 per team)
3 p.m. ~ Corn Hole Tournament
4 to 9 p.m. ~ Merchant Tents
4 to 9:30 p.m. ~ Kids Fun Zone (Pony rides, laser tag, inflatables and more)
4 to 10 p.m. ~ Food Concessions
5 to 9 p.m. ~ Bumper Bubbles
5 to 9 p.m. ~ Live Musical Entertainment, featuring the Roadhouse Band
6:30 p.m. ~ Balloon Competition
8:15 p.m. ~ Balloon Glow Encounter (Purchased Tickets here)
9:15 p.m. ~ Balloon Glow
This year’s Balloonfest highlights several unique balloons featuring creative and fun designs including a giant strawberry, a painted desert and the popular Looney Tune Pepé Le Pew.
Due to the unpredictability of Mother Nature, all balloons are subject to either a delay or cancellation if deemed necessary by the Balloonfest staff. Parking will be available at Freer Field or Ashland Univeristy’s Lot B.
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