Take flight above Howard County at the Preakness Balloon Festival

 

Howard County is packed full of wonderful things to enjoy—just check out our free area vacation guide for proof! One of the most unusual events doesn’t just happen in Howard County. It happens above it! We’re talking about the Preakness Balloon Festival coming up in May.

About the Preakness Balloon Festival

Held at the Howard County Fairgrounds from May 18-20, the Preakness Balloon Festival is an annual event like no other.

Taking place every year, the Preakness Balloon Festival as one of the many celebrations planned around the running of the Preakness Stakes, Baltimore’s “Super Bowl” and the 2nd jewel in thoroughbred racing’s prestigious Triple Crown.

Forty years ago, the first Preakness Balloon Festival launched—literally! This year, spectators will enjoy the wonder of hot air balloons, specialty crafts, entertainment, and good food during this family-friendly festival.

Enjoy the stunning Balloon Glow

The hot air balloon festival event now known as a balloon glow was started in Albuquerque in 1979. The sight of balloons lit from within at night like giant holiday ornaments is breathtaking, and glow events are now held all over the world.

The Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival continues the hot air balloon glow tradition by presenting two balloon glows on Thursday and Friday evenings at dusk. Music and spectator participation make the GLOW a unique experience.

Preakness Balloon Festival Calendar

Thursday, May 18 
2:00pm – 8:00pm – Vendor/Food Exhibits open
3:00pm – 6:00pm – Sean Casey, Frank Luber with Bruce Elliott on STAGE
3:00pm – 9:00pm – Tethered Balloon Rides. Go up 60 to 80 feet in balloon – $20 adults & $10 children under 12. Pay on site.
3:00pm – 8:00pm – Beer Garden
3:00pm – 8:30pm – Walkabout Balloon – Fun for kids & adults – $3 fee
5:30pm – VIP Party in Tent on launch field. Invitation only.
7:00pm – Mass Balloon Ascension – book your flight now – $235 per person
7:00pm – 8:30pm – ROCKIN ROB on Stage
8:30pm – 8:50pm Balloons stand up and glow – 20 minutes. What a Show!
9:pm – Event Closes for the evening

Friday, May 19 
Morning activities:
6:00am – Mass Balloon Ascension – book your flight now – $235 per person
Afternoon Activities:
2:00pm – 8:00pm – Vendor/Food Exhibits Open
3:00pm – 6:00pm – Steve Rouse & Compamy – On Stage and LIVE on WQLL (Q1370)
3:00pm – 8:00pm – Beer Garden
3:00pm – 9:00pm – Tethered balloon rides. Go up 60 to 80 feet in balloon – $20 adults & $10 children under 12. Pay on site.
3:00pm – 8:30pm – Walkabout Balloon – Fun for kids & adults – $3 fee
5:30pm – Corporate Tent Special Occasion.
7:00 – 8:30pm – Sir ROD “One Sizzlin Hot Rod Stewart Tribute Show”
7:00pm – Mass Ascension – book your flight now – $235 per person
8:30pm – 8:50pm Balloons stand up and glow – 20 minutes.
9:pm – Event Closes for the evening

Saturday, May 20 
6:00am – Mass Balloon Ascension – – book your flight now – $235 per person
Festival ends at 9:00am

Check out the Preakness Balloon Festival website for more details and information about planning for your flight. And don’t forget to download our free Howard County vacation guide! Book in to stay with us in Howard County’s historic Ellicott City to make your festival weekend a truly special getaway.