Centralia Balloon Fest is an annual hot air balloon event that takes place on the 3rd full weekend of August in Centralia, Illinois.
NEW LOCATION: Fairview Park, Centralia, Illinois
Vendor registration for 2026 is officially open.
Apply now!
BALLOON FEST PARK SCHEDULE
Friday, August 21
(Park Hours 3:00pm - 10:00pm)
3:30pm - Opening Ceremony with Centralia High School Band & Choir
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight
6:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides
7:30pm - Balloon Glow
8:30pm - Headlining Entertainment: Boy Band Night
Saturday, August 22
(Park Hours 3:00pm - 10:00pm)
3:30pm - Opening Entertainment: Leight July
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight
6:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides
7:30pm - Balloon Glow
8:30pm - Headlining Entertainment: Stir of Echoes
Sunday, August 23
(Park Hours 12:00pm - 6:00pm)
All Day Family Fun Day
Free Kids Activities include Inflatable Jumps, Crafts, Games, Touch-A-Truck, and more!
12:00pm - Kids’ Touch-A-Truck Event!
1:00pm-4:00pm - Car & Motorcycle Show
1:30pm-3:00pm - Live Musical Entertainment: TBD
4:00pm - Car Show Winners Announced
4:00pm-5:30pm - Live Musical Entertainment: TBD
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight (LOCAL PILOTS)
Schedule subject to change due to safety reasons and weather conditions.
(Morning flights are scheduled at 6:00am with take-off locations around the community.
All flight paths and landing areas are dependent on wind direction and weather conditions.)
Centralia Balloon Fest
August 21-22-23, 2026
Free admission.
Free parking.
PARKING
Fairview Park Plaza is the Official Balloon Fest Parking
1010 West Broadway, Centralia, IL.
Other parking may be available from surrounding businesses. Please pay attention to posted “no parking” signs.
No pets. No alcohol. No coolers. No unauthorized vehicles.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen!
Major Sponsors
FULL SCHEDULE OF ALL HOT AIR BALLOON EVENTS
Wednesday, August 19
5:30pm - Crew Training in Foundation Park
Thursday, August 20
5:30pm - Evening Flight (Location TBD)
Friday, August 21
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (Location TBD)
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Fairview Park
6:00pm-10:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides in Fairview Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Fairview Park
Saturday, August 22
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (Location TBD)
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Fairview Park
6:00pm-10:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides in Fairview Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Fairview Park
Sunday, August 23
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (Location TBD)
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Fairview Park (Local Balloons)
Scheduled times are approximate and subject to change due to weather and safety conditions. All events are a go unless stated otherwise on our Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page and local radio stations (WJBD, X95, Withers Broadcasting)
Flight paths and landing spots depend on weather conditions, wind speeds, and wind directions.
6:00am Morning flight status and location is determined morning of the flight. Flight locations are posted around 6:15am on Centralia Balloon Fest’s Facebook page. These flights, like all balloon events, are weather dependent.
Centralia Balloon Fest began in 1990 and has developed into a full weekend of entertainment, family-fun, and beautiful photo opportunities. We encourage our 40,000 visitors to See Centralia, visit our local restaurants and businesses, and enjoy a magical weekend in Southern Illinois with hot air balloons.
We want to thank our hot air balloon sponsors, activity and entertainment sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers who make this event happen! Centralia Balloon Fest is a community event made only possible by the support of our community, businesses, and individuals.
All balloon events are weather-permitting. All events are a go unless stated otherwise. For immediate updates during Balloon Fest weekend, please follow our Facebook page:
This is the official site for CENTRALIA BALLOON FEST ®, which is the intellectual property of The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce (www.centraliachamber.com, www.centraliaballoonfest.com, www.balloon-fest.com).
“Balloon Fest ®” is registered with the State of Illinois, registration # 104485. Use of “Balloon Fest” name must be in expressed written consent from The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce.
All times and events are subject to change. Adverse weather may prevent hot air balloons from flying.
"Balloon Glow" is a registered trademark of Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, used with permission.