We have really lucked out in Charlotte lately with some ideal fall weather. The air is crisp, the leaves are colorful and falling and we just want to be outside all day everyday. Luckily with the plethora of fall festivals upon us, there is plenty of opportunity to do just that.
This past Saturday, despite the warnings of horrific traffic and crazy high food costs, we decided to visit the Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville, NC.
The festival goes Friday-Sunday and has set launch times for the balloons. On Saturday they have an early launch (between 8:00 am-9:30 am) and an evening launch (between 4:00 pm -5:30 pm). Unfortunately neither of those times were ideal for us with the girls at this age, so we decided to grab bagels and head that way, being fine with whenever we arrived.
We got to the field for parking around 9:00 am and Hailey squealed with excitement as she pointed out the hot air balloons that dotted the sky around us. There were only a few left to see at that point, but it didn’t seem to put a damper her joy.
It was $30 total to get in ($15 a pop for adults and the girls were free). A BIG CAVEAT here- a police officer at the entrance told us food, drinks and coolers were fine to bring in, so we carried in our own snacks. However, I checked the website later and apparently they are NOT allowed. Still, we were one of many that were pulling out their own snacks, so…?
Ok, ok, back to our day.
If you aren’t there to see the launch, then it’s really just a big ‘ol field party festival, but I don’t mean that in a negative way. They had rows on inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses (all free!) that the girls couldn’t get enough of.
The lines weren’t that bad, but they certainly got busier as the morning went on.
The girls had a ball! I really appreciated them being free because everything else cost money (understandably), but $5 balloon animals and $8 face painting would have added up pretty quickly. Hooray for free fun!
The real highlight of the morning, and Hailey’s favorite that she is still talking about, was the halfway inflated balloon you could go inside.
It was only $5 for all of us to get in, and I’ll admit, I was as giddy as the girls! It was like one of those giant parachutes you get to play with in gym class as a kid.
They had some beach balls inside so kids were running around after them giggling and it just was a pretty neat experience overall.
After hitting up all the activities, we decided to wander by the stage that featured various bands throughout the day and check out all the booths and beer and wine tents. Hailey talked us into getting her a lemonade which gave me a chance to admire all the fair food.
I won’t lie, the gyros smelled amazing and true to fair fashion, if it could be fried, it was, and served in huge portions.
The little legs in our group needed a rest so we found a spot in the wide open field to watch the tethered hot air balloon take people up and down. It was so peaceful to kickback and watch the smiles and listen to the burner fill the balloon with air.
Next year I’d love to go back, set up on the early side and stay for the evening launch, as I’ve heard it’s gorgeous! But honestly, without the ability to bring in coolers, I’m not sure it’s feasible.
All in all it was an ideal way to spend a fall Saturday morning and like I mentioned, Hailey is still talking about going inside the hot air balloon!
What is the best festival you’ve ever been to?
What is your favorite part of a fall festival?
emma @ be mom strong says
Now that the girls are a little older (1 and 3 isn’t old, but you get it) I’ve been loving going everywhere this fall. Having kids makes holidays so much better!
Kate says
The BalloonFest looks like a nice family activity.
My little guy is still to small for festival action, but when I was I kid I loved festivals as long as there was a bounce house and horseback riding. 😉
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Oh, that looks like so much fun! We went to a fall festival this weekend to in Mt Laurel, near Birmingham. It was free to get in for us, but each activity costs $$$. My favorite part was watching my son have a ball and wear himself out. 🙂 We are hoping to hit up a pumpkin patch this weekend!
Hilary says
That sounds so neat! And the perfect way to spend a fall morning! I feel like all festivals are like that when it comes to prices of food and drinks! It really does drive people away!
Elizabeth says
That looks like fun! KSU now has an annual ‘owloween’ hot air balloon festival that I’ve never attended. It’s this Friday night. I’m not sure we’re going to make it.
I love The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. All of her recipes are amazing and I also love her show. I’m such a nerd – I’m going to see her this Friday at Stone Mtn’s Country Living festival for a book signing. Her new cookbook comes out this week.
Heather says
That looks like so much fun! I think my favorite festivals are the 4th of July festivals and fairs. The food, the rides, the fireworks… so much fun! Agreed, though… sometimes the expense is a bit too much.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
What a fun experience for all of you! I love H and K’s smile…they say it all!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
There is a balloon festival near me that I’ve been going to since I was your girls’ age. My dad’s work gets a tent each year that my dad has to work so we would go and hang out. We brought Ryan this year and it was so cool going to something that had such a long-term meaning to me.
But fair food. Give me it all. We usually stick to “meat on a stick” as my husband calls it, and street corn to keep it a little less fried. But I’ve been known to enjoy a sausage and pepper sandwich or, even better, a bag of zeppoles. Ugh, now I want it.
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
Crisp fall weather is my favorite type of all weather. Especially when the sky looks as it does in your photos. It really does seem like you had a perfect weekend! The whole even looks like so much fun, and I am glad you guys went even when the timing was not ideal.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
How fun! One of the items on my bucket list is to go on a hot air ballon ride! They look so fun!