Ashland BalloonFest Celebrates 35 Years of Soaring Skies, Community Spirit, and Colorful Tradition
ASHLAND, OH – The skies over Ashland are alive once again with color, fire, and festivity as the 2025 Ashland BalloonFest lifts off to celebrate its 35th anniversary. What began in 1990 as a modest community celebration has grown into one of the most beloved and anticipated summer festivals in the region—and this year’s milestone event promises its most exciting lineup yet.
Held at Freer Field, this year’s BalloonFest runs Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29, and features three full days of family-friendly fun, food, live entertainment, science exhibits, art, and of course, hot air balloon launches and glow events that light up the sky.
🎈 Friday, June 27 Schedule
6:30–8:30 AM – Balloon Lift Off (Launch Field): Balloons launch from Freer Field or fly overhead. Bring chairs, coffee, and blankets!
11:30 AM–1:30 PM – Food Trailer Friday (Concessions): Food trailers open for lunch with free parking.
4:00–5:00 PM – Kites! (Launch Field): Fly a kite on the field, sponsored by Eva’s Treats.
4:00–7:00 PM – Kids BINGO & Balloon Coloring (VIP Tent): Hosted by Grace Church.
4:00–9:00 PM – Helicopter Rides (Helicopter Zone): $60 per person, first-come, first-served.
4:00–8:00 PM – COSI on Wheels (Kid Zone): Live science shows and interactive activities.
4:00–8:00 PM – Local Art Walk (Freer Field Barn)
4:00–9:30 PM – Kids Fun Zone (Kid Zone): Inflatables, balloon animals, face painting, and more!
4:00–10:00 PM – Food Vendors (Concessions): A wide selection of eats.
4:00–9:00 PM – Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos & Mobile Stuffie Machine (Kid Zone) – Whoopsie Daisy
4:00–9:00 PM – Inflatables (Kid Zone): Managed by the Boy Scouts.
4:00–9:00 PM – Merchant Tents: Local businesses and boutique vendors.
4:00–9:00 PM – Ashland Library Bookmobile: Books, magazines, DVDs, and more.
5:00–9:00 PM – PhilUP Balloon Artist (Kid Zone): Balloon twisting fun.
5:00–9:00 PM – Live Music: Rare Vintage 10 (Main Stage)
6:00–9:00 PM – Princesses: Anna & Elsa (Kid Zone)
6:30 PM – Balloon Sponsor Lift Off (Launch Field)
8:15 PM – Balloon Glow Encounter (Launch Field): Reserved seating available online.
9:15 PM – OhioHealth Balloon Glow (Launch Field): A musical, glowing balloon experience.
🏃♀️ Saturday, June 28 Schedule
6:30–8:30 AM – Balloon Lift Off (Launch Field)
8:00–11:00 AM – BalloonFest 5K (Freer Field)
8:00 AM–12:00 PM – Pancake Breakfast & Plane Fly-In (Ashland County Airport): Pancakes, sausage, and skydivers. Donations welcome.
11:00 AM–4:00 PM – Great American Kites (Launch Field): Giant kite flying, weather permitting.
4:00–9:00 PM – Helicopter Rides (Helicopter Zone): $60 per person, first-come, first-served.
4:00–5:00 PM – Pilot Meet & Greet: Meet balloon pilots, get autographs, and learn ballooning basics.
4:00–7:00 PM – Kids BINGO & Balloon Coloring (VIP Tent)
4:00–8:00 PM – Local Art Walk (Freer Field Barn)
4:00–8:00 PM – COSI on Wheels (Kid Zone)
4:00–9:30 PM – Kids Fun Zone (Kid Zone)
4:00–10:00 PM – Food Vendors (Concessions)
4:00–9:00 PM – Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos & Mobile Stuffie Machine (Kid Zone) – Whoopsie Daisy
4:00–9:00 PM – Inflatables (Kid Zone): Managed by the Boy Scouts.
4:00–9:00 PM – Merchant Tents
4:00–9:00 PM – Ashland Library Bookmobile
5:00–9:00 PM – PhilUP Balloon Artist (Kid Zone)
5:00–9:00 PM – Live Music: Tom’s Kitchen Table (Main Stage)
6:00–9:00 PM – Princesses: Moana & Snow White (Kid Zone)
6:30 PM – Evening Balloon Lift Off (Launch Field)
8:15 PM – Balloon Glow Encounter (Launch Field): Reserved seating available online.
9:15 PM – OhioHealth Memorial Balloon Glow (Launch Field)
🌅 Sunday, June 29 Schedule
6:30–8:30 AM – Final Balloon Lift Off (Launch Field): A beautiful farewell to the weekend’s festivities.
With its magical blend of colorful skies, community spirit, and unforgettable memories, the 35th Ashland BalloonFest promises something special for everyone. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, enjoy the sights and sounds, and celebrate one of Ashland County’s most iconic traditions.
For ticket information, reserved seating for glow events, and updates, visit the official Ashland BalloonFest website or follow their social media channels.
