Sucheta Rawal

There’s something truly magical about watching colorful hot air balloons lift into the sky, floating high above the horizon. Across the U.S., hot air balloon festivals turn that special experience into an all-out celebration—complete with sunrise ascensions, evening balloon glows, live music, food trucks, and plenty of family-friendly fun. These gatherings draw ballooning enthusiasts, first-time riders and curious spectators alike, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectacle—or even get up in a balloon themselves. Some festivals are set against dramatic backdrops, from desert mesas to mountain peaks, while others unfold over fairgrounds and small-town parks, creating a vibrant, communal energy on the ground. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo op, checking off a bucket-list ride or simply soaking up the view, these hot air balloon festivals offer a front-row seat to the wonder. Ahead, 10 spectacular hot air balloon festivals in the U.S. that are worth planning a trip around. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic places in the USA—and they're all in the great outdoors

I packed neutral colored clothing, a safari hat and a pair of boots in my carry-on. Then I loaded my car and drove from my home in the suburbs of Atlanta along Interstate-20. But this time, I did not turn into the exit towards Atlanta airport. Instead, I headed straight to the Georgia Safari Conservation Park near Madison.  After checking in with the park ranger, we drove to my lodging—a luxurious one-bedroom safari tent with a king-size canopy bed, zebra-striped cushions and handcrafted decor from South Africa. There was a spacious bathroom with hotel amenities, an outdoor shower and bathtub, plus a kitchenette stocked with everything I needed for a meal in. Unlike the safari camps I stayed at in Africa, this one had air conditioning and heating to brave the Georgia weather. From my expansive deck overlooking a private savanna, I had a clear view of wildlife: giraffes straight ahead, rhinos to the left, and ostriches hopping around to the left.  Surrounded by a private, boma-like enclosure, it felt quiet and peaceful. I could lounge on the rocking chairs, watching wildlife roam the open grasslands for hours on end. The best part? What would have been a 16-hour flight to an African safari was instead a little over an hour’s drive from Atlanta. About Georgia Safari Conservation Park  Opened in the summer of 2024, Georgia Safari Conservation Park was built with one goal in mind: to conserve threatened and endangered species through programming, guided tours and interactive expe