The 2025 Mid-South Balloon Festival is open to the public September 20-21. For the Mass Ascension on Saturday and Sunday morning, the balloons will launch around sunrise between 6 – 7 a.m., weather permitting. With the exception of Mass Ascension each morning, there are no scheduled activities or entertainment in the morning.

The festival will be held in Rossville, Tennessee at the corner of TN-57 and Frazier Road.

The morning ascension will be near sunrise. Saturday and Sunday morning (weather permitting). Evening crowds can get large; arriving early is recommended for tethered rides and the evening glow. Evening gates open at 3 p.m. Keep in mind, all balloon activities are dependent on the weather and may not occur until after 5 p.m. or later.

Please see our tickets page for more information.

Balloons typically fly early in the morning and late afternoon when winds are calmest and the air is most stable at those times of day, making conditions most favorable at these times. All events at the Mid-South Balloon Festival are dependent on safe weather conditions and subject to delays or cancellations on short notice. We make every effort for successful balloon flights, and the safety of our pilots, volunteers, and spectators is our primary concern. Flight decisions are made during pilot briefings, which are held approximately 30 minutes before each flight. If unfavorable weather conditions prevail, we will post notices on our social media accounts and web page, and at the event. Occasionally we must make last-minute decisions; taking a “wait and see” approach may result in arriving at the field too late and missing a beautiful night of balloon gazing or other entertainment.

Dress for the anticipated weather. The festival will take place on an open field and closed toe shoes are recommended. If you plan to go for a tethered balloon ride, most balloons require you to climb into the basket – so you will want to wear something appropriate to climb in. (Ladies – avoid that dress or skirt)

Weather delays and cancellations are beyond our control, but we have designed the festival to make sure everyone has a great experience. We have kept ticket prices low to ensure the whole family can come. We’ve brought in great music, great food, great vendors, and rides and midway games to make sure the festival is fun no matter what the weather does. If winds prevent balloon launches, they could still be calm enough for the Balloon Glow.

Portable restrooms will be available on site, including accessible facilities.

There will be plenty of street parking available around the festival site.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating, and bring appropriate clothes for the evening’s weather and maybe some bug spray.

Absolutely no smoking is allowed in the Balloon Festival’s area, including electronic cigarettes.

No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed within the festival area. Bags and backpacks are subject to inspection. Food and drinks will be available for purchase including alcoholic beverages.

No animal, no drones, no laser pointers, no knives or weapons of any kind, no fireworks, no tents, no umbrellas, no outside food/drinks, no coolers.

Official apparel may be purchased at the official booth in the vendor area.

Hot air balloons do not fly during the heat of the day; after the morning flights, the balloon field gates will be closed until 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday . Please see the schedule of events for activities.

The Mid-South Balloon Festival, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization, relies on volunteers and tax-deductible donations to make the event a success. Donations over $50 are tax-deductible. Proceeds from the event will support education needs in the local community. Volunteers are needed in all areas including balloon chase crews, public information, gate hosting, ticket taking, hospitality, and VIP areas. Volunteers must be 16 years or older. A list of volunteer opportunities will be made available closer to the event. If you are interested in sponsoring, email Chad Lindsay at CLindsay@alstonco.com