Live entertainment has been a signature of the Centralia Balloon Fest since its inception, and this year’s installment is set on raising the bar.

Featuring a celebrated tribute act honoring one of the world’s biggest pop stars, an up-and-coming artist on the path to stardom, and a sure-fire country star who rose to fame on TV’s American Idol – this year’s entertainment lineup is one for the ages.

Performing at 8:30 pm Friday, Aug. 16 after the evening balloon glow, Taylor Made – A Taylor Swift Tribute, will bring the pop icon’s world-renowned, chart-topping hits to the Balloon Fest stage.

Based in Edwardsville, Taylor Made has garnered a name for themselves as one of the Midwest’s premiere Taylor Swift tribute acts, bringing to life each of Swift’s notorious “eras”.

“We are so excited to announce that we are going to be performing at the Centralia Balloon Fest,” said Taylor Made lead vocalist, Courtney Diamond, in a social media video promoting the event. “It’s going to be all your favorite Taylor Swift hits, it’s going to be a dance party [and] a singalong party…get your Eras outfits together, get your friendship bracelets ready, and meet us there!”

Rising country artist, Kaylee Rose, will take the Balloon Fest stage at 3:30 pm on Saturday, Aug. 16, where the Nashville, Tennessee-based musician will perform the songs that gave her a promising career and devoted online following.

Rose, who began performing at the age of 14, said she and her band are excited for their first-ever performance in the Greater Centralia Area.

“I’ve been so grateful that social media has given me the opportunity to play live shows all over the country and visit cities and states I’ve never been to. Centralia is one of those [cities],” said Rose, when speaking with the Chamber of Commerce. “When I got asked to do play this gig, I was so excited and so was my band. I have heard nothing but great things about [Balloon Fest]! I have a few co-writers from the [Centralia] area, and they were so excited that we got this show. I’m so excited to play and meet people and hopefully make some new fans!”

Once the final flames of Saturday evening’s All-Balloon Glow have expired, country star and Balloon Fest headliner, Josh Gracin, will take the stage at 8:30 pm to close the night.

Gracin rose to fame after securing fourth place in the second season of TV’s American Idol, and would go on to score the number one hit, “Nothin’ to Lose” as well as two more top five entries on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks charts.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Gracin continues to write and record new music while touring and performing across the United States. Gracin’s performance at this weekend’s Balloon Fest will mark his first concert appearance in the Greater Centralia Area.

Those attending this year’s Balloon Fest will want to get to the park early and stay after the balloon glows, as the 2024 live entertainment lineup will be one to remember.