North Texans looking for a weekend lift can head to Plano this September. The H‑E‑B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival opens Thursday, Sep. 17 at Oak Point Park / Red Tail Pavilion (2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway) and runs through Sunday, Sep. 20.
What to Expect
Organizers note that 2026 marks the 47th year of ballooning in Plano and Collin County. Visitors will enjoy hot‑air balloon launches, nightly balloon glows, laser light shows, parachute team exhibitions and a lineup of live music.
Evening schedule: Balloon glows begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, followed by an 8:45 p.m. laser show presented by Boom Special Effects. Thursday’s opening night features a Plano Symphony Orchestra Big Band concert at 7:30 p.m.; Midtown 10 performs Friday, and Ice House Band takes the stage Saturday. A parachute team exhibition is slated for 6 p.m. each evening.
Morning launches: Balloon launches are set for 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Gates open an hour earlier, so early arrival is recommended.
Tethered Balloon Rides
For those who want more than a visual, the festival offers tethered rides that lift passengers roughly 20‑30 feet for a few minutes while the balloon remains secured to the ground. Rides cost $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 6‑12. Tickets are sold onsite for cash on a first‑come, first‑served basis, weather permitting and at the pilot’s discretion.
Riders must be at least six years old, be able to see over the basket and, if under 18, be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Additional eligibility details are listed on the festival’s ride page.
Admission and Parking
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3‑12 and seniors 65 and older. Children 36 inches tall or shorter enter free. Military personnel, including retirees, receive free admission with valid ID, which also covers a guest.
Online tickets cost $11.60 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors; each ticket grants one entry on a single day. All sales are final, and the festival does not offer refunds for weather‑related cancellations.
Parking is $15 per vehicle in prime lots or $10 at the Plano Event Center. A free festival bus runs from DART’s Parker Road Station to the park. All onsite purchases, including admission and Kids Fun Zone tickets, accept credit cards, debit cards or Apple Pay; bring cash if you plan to ride a tethered balloon.
Family‑Friendly Fun
Beyond balloons, the festival features food vendors, handmade merchandise, children’s activities and a Kids Fun Zone. The schedule may shift due to weather and wind conditions, so checking the official festival website before you leave home is advisable.
Whether you prefer the glow of illuminated balloons after dark or the crisp morning launch, Plano’s Balloon Festival offers a wholesome, family‑oriented experience that celebrates a long‑standing local tradition.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
