North Texans looking for a little lift this week can find it in Plano, where hot-air balloons, parachutists and evening laser shows will share the spotlight.
The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival opens Thursday, September 17, at Oak Point Park / Red Tail Pavilion, bringing four days of entertainment to 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway. The festival runs through Sunday, September 20.
Organizers say 2026 marks 47 years of ballooning in Plano and Collin County. Food vendors, handmade merchandise, children’s activities and live performances round out the celebration.
For anyone coming primarily for the balloons, however, the most useful accessory may be an alarm clock.
Evening Glows Or Morning Liftoffs
Balloon glows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, followed each evening by an 8:45 p.m. laser show presented by Boom Special Effects, according to the official festival schedule.
Thursday’s opening-night entertainment includes 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 scheduled for 6 p.m. all three evenings.
Visitors hoping to watch balloons launch should plan an early arrival. Launches are scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with gates opening an hour earlier.
Festival hours are:
- Thursday, September 17: 5–10 p.m.
- Friday, September 18: 4–10 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Sunday, September 20: 6–11 a.m.
Balloon activities depend on weather and wind conditions, and the schedule can change. Organizers emphasize that balloons are present only during scheduled displays, so visitors should plan their arrival accordingly.
A Basket With A View
For those who want to do more than watch, the festival plans to offer tethered balloon rides.
Passengers rise roughly 20 to 30 feet above the ground for several minutes while the balloon remains secured. These rides stay at the festival; passenger flights departing the park are not offered.
Rides cost $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 6–12, with tickets sold onsite for cash. Availability is first come, first served, weather permitting and at the pilot’s discretion.
Passengers must be at least 6 years old and able to see over the basket. Anyone under 18 must ride with a parent or legal guardian. Additional eligibility requirements are listed on the festival’s ride page.
Tickets And Getting There
The festival’s ticket page lists onsite admission at $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 identification. That benefit applies to the ID holder and must be obtained at an onsite ticket booth.
Online admission, including listed fees, costs $11.60 for adults and $6.50 for children and seniors. Each ticket covers one entry on one day. The festival has a no-refund policy, including for weather-related cancellations.
Parking, admission and Kids Fun Zone ticket sales onsite accept credit cards, debit cards or Apple Pay. Bring cash separately if a tethered ride is on the agenda.
Designated parking costs $15 per vehicle in prime lots or $10 at the Plano Event Center. Organizers also list a free festival bus from DART’s Parker Road Station.
For balloon watchers, the choice is an evening glow or an early-morning launch. Either way, checking the latest schedule before leaving home will help make sure the trip includes the main attraction.
Provided by Dallas Express
