Each year in June, the Cambridge Balloon Festival welcomes visitors to explore the beautiful region of Cambridge, NY!
Featuring hot air balloon rides, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities, people of all interests & ages have made attending this festival an annual tradition. This year, the celebration will take place on June 7-9, 2024.
History of the Cambridge Balloon Festival
For the last 22 years, the Cambridge Balloon Festival has brought visitors from all across the world to our picturesque slice of paradise. Naturally, the first festival qas quite small with just a few balloons. However, this event has quickly grown into one of the Northeast’s most-attended hot air balloon festivals!
Put together each year by the Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Balloon Festival also brings together a variety of local food trucks & vendors for visitors to shop from.
Let’s explore the many fun & unique things to do during Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival Weekend!
Adventures with Hot Air Balloons
The highlight of the Cambridge Balloon Festival is, of course, the hot air balloons! This year, pilots in attendance will be launching approximately 10 balloons in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns.
There will be 4 total launches over the weekend, wind and weather permitting. All hot air balloon launches will take place at the Cambridge Central School on Route 22. Typically, evening launches happen around 7 p.m. and morning launches around 5:30 a.m.
New in 2024: visitors will be able to purchase tickets to enjoy a tethered ride in a hot air balloon! Scott Griswold with Above All Balloon Rides will be offering these rides for only $20/person. You can purchase tickets starting Friday night at 5 PM.
Want an unbeatable deal? Visit on Saturday, Wristband Day at the carnival! Just buy a wristband for $25 and get unlimited rides from 1 PM – 9 PM!
Food, Vendors and Family-Friendly Activities
Of course, while you’re welcome to bring a picnic, you’ll love the variety of food trucks and vendors on-site at the festival! You’ll find everything from burgers and hot dogs to craft beverages and ice cream. Plus, you’ll be able to shop from a variety of local artisans selling their wares, from souvenirs and handmade gifts to clothing and accessories.
Additionally, the Cambridge Balloon Festival is an event geared toward families! With kid-friendly activities including a variety of carnival games, fireworks and balloon rides, your family is sure to have a good time.
Schedule of Events:
Luckily, visitors will enjoy four hot air balloon launches! These are on Friday & Saturday evening, as well as Saturday & Sunday morning (weather permitting). Of course, you’ll also want to explore the Festival’s other great activities:
Friday – June 7, 2024
- 5 – 10 PM – community-sponsored events throughout the village, including a carnival, rides, food booths, games, Cambridge U.P. Church Flea Market and a craft fair.
- At dusk, around 9:15 PM – Fireworks display at The Mansion Park on South Union Street.
- Evening – Block party at Railroad Park next to Argyle Brewing Company with music, food vendors and more.
Saturday – June 8, 2024
- The Lions Club Car Show, starting at 10 AM with awards given at 1:30 PM.
- The Cambridge Valley Flying Club‘s Aviation Day/Fly-In, from 9 AM – 4 PM. With coffee and donuts in the morning and lunch from 11:30 AM on.
- Moon Glow Celebration after dark, a “spectacular night time display of tethered hot air balloons that are lit from inside in time to music.”
Sunday – June 9, 2024
- Pilots Breakfast at the American Legion on Rt. 22 in Cambridge, NY, a great opportunity to meet the pilots!
- Rain date for Aviation Day/Fly-In
- Cambridge Valley Farmers Market at Owlkill Commons, The Green Bridge Park on Main Street.
For more details, explore the official Schedule of Events.
Discover more local activities happening on Cambridge Balloon Festival Weekend
In addition to the Balloon Festival, many local businesses host special events for the weekend! Check out these other fun & unique things to do near Cambridge, NY:
- Open House at New Skete Monastery. Visitors will be able to tour the nuns’ cheesecake bakery, take in the historic churches on the property and enjoy a dog training demonstration by the monastery’s world-famous monks.
- Horse show on Sunday at the Cambridge Saddle Club. See local riders and their gorgeous horses put their talents on display!
And just a little further away, you’ll also find:
- Customized adventures through the Battenkill Valley Outdoors, who offers many ways to float down the river, including kayaks, canoes, commercial rafts and tubes.
- Vendor Craft Fair at the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department, featuring 60+ vendors, 3 food trucks, a basket raffle and more.
- “Godspell” at Fort Salem Theater, a groundbreaking musical about a group of friends only showing until June 9, 2024.
- Opening reception for Rooted In Salem‘s newest exhibit: Benj Gleeksman – “The Land of Milk and Hot Dogs.” Show June 7 – 27, Reception June 7 from 5:30-7:30 PM.
Advice for Attending the Cambridge Balloon Festival
Sound like a great time? Here are a few of our best tips for attending the Cambridge Balloon Festival:
- Arrive early to get a good parking spot.
- Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Bring a camera to capture the amazing sights.
- Be prepared for crowds.
- Have fun!
Still looking for somewhere to stay while you enjoy the festivities? Explore our range of local lodging options, from farm stays and historic properties to traditional bed & breakfasts or camping and glamping options.
Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a great time attending the Cambridge Balloon Festival. So, mark your calendars for June 7-9, 2024 and come out to Cambridge Central School for a weekend of hot air balloon fun!
Discover more ways to enjoy our area’s bounty
Without a doubt, visitors of all abilities & interests will find something to love in Washington County, NY! Whether you’re into golfing, wine-tasting, motocross racing or hiking, unforgettable adventures await you in the agricultural heart of New York’s Capital Region.
