Centralia Balloon Fest
August 18-19-20, 2023
$5 FESTIVAL WRISTBAND
Wristband gives Admission - good for all weekend!
Wristbands available at event gates (Cash Only).
(Free admission to kids under 2 years old.)
No pets. No alcohol. No coolers. No unauthorized vehicles.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen!
Park Hours:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
3:00PM - 10:00PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
3:00PM - 10:00PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
12:00PM - 6:00PM
CENTRALIA FOUNDATION PARK
$5 Parking at North Entrance (Cash Only)
1490 Gragg St, Centralia, IL 62801
Additional parking with SCT shuttle to Foundation Park from City Hope Church
(1000 E. Second St.)
$1 per person on Friday and Saturday from 4:00pm-9:00pm.
”SCT Shuttle is equipped with lifts, ramps, and securement systems for persons with mobility impairments.”
Other parking may be available from surrounding businesses. Please pay attention to posted “no parking” signs.
PARK SCHEDULE
Must wear wristband to enter.
Friday, August 18
(Park Hours 3:00pm - 10:00pm)
3:00pm - Opening Ceremony with Centralia High School Band & Choir
4:00pm - The Presswoods (Pop Hits)
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight (ALL FLY)
6:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides
7:30pm - Balloon Glow
8:30pm - The Mellow D's (Pop Variety)
Saturday, August 19
(Park Hours 3:00pm - 10:00pm)
3:00pm-5:00pm - CN Little Obie Train Rides and Display
3:00pm - Snowbird Street Band (Americana)
5:30pm - POW/MIA Veterans Freedom Flight
6:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides
7:30pm - Balloon Glow (ALL GLOW)
8:30pm - Roaming Home (Rock Variety)
Sunday, August 20
(Park Hours 12:00pm - 6:00pm)
All Day Free Family Fun Day
Kids Activities - Selfie Scavenger Hunt - Photo Opportunities - Costumed Characters
12:00pm-3:00pm - Cardboard Boat Race Registration and Building
12:00pm - Southern Illinois Elite Tumble and Cheer
1:00pm - Christian Band
1:00pm-4:00pm - Car & Motorcycle Cruise-In
2:00pm - Cardboard Boat Races for Business Class and PIlot Class
3:00pm - Cardboard Boat Races for Traditional Class (In-Park Building)
4:00pm - Eastsiders Review Band (Blues)
4:00pm - Eastsiders Review Band (Blues)
5:30pm - Evening Balloon Flight (LOCAL PILOTS)
FULL SCHEDULE OF HOT AIR BALLOON EVENTS
Wednesday, August 16
5:30pm - Crew Training (Foundation Park)
Thursday, August 17
5:30pm - Evening Flight for Media and Volunteers (location TBD)
Friday, August 18
6:00am - Morning Flight for Media and Volunteers (location TBD)
5:30pm-10:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides in Foundation Park
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Foundation Park (All Balloons)
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Foundation Park
7:30pm - Drive Through Mini Balloon Glow in Fairview Park (Handicap Accessible)
Saturday, August 19
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (location TBD)
5:30pm-10:00pm - Tethered Balloon Rides in Foundation Park
5:30pm - Veterans Freedom Flight from Foundation Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Foundation Park (All Balloons!)
Sunday, August 20
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (location TBD)
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Foundation Park (Local Balloons)
Scheduled times are approximate and flights depend on weather conditions.