Nostalgic Music on the Main Stage at Balloon Fest
Balloon Fest is ready to party on Friday, August 21, after the hot air balloon glow! The Boy Band Night from Chicago will perform live on the SSM Health Main Stage from 8:30pm to 10:00pm.
Featuring hits from 1990s and 2000s boy bands and pop music, The Boy Band Night will bring fun and nostalgia for anyone who wants to sing along.
Then on Saturday, August 22, get ready to rock with Stir of Echoes on the SSM Health Main Stage from 8:30pm to 10:00pm. This local band will play all of the favorite "dad rock" hits from the 1980s-2000s.
"The main entertainment for Balloon Fest is always the balloon glow at dusk, where the largest crowds gather to take photos of the balloons glowing, flickering, and 'dancing' to the music played by Happy Hour DJ, Tony Waters," says Marcus Holland, executive director.
Entertainment is sponsored by Taco Jo's and Tequila Mexican Restaurants, and the main stage is sponsored by SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital.
"A few years ago, we had a Taylor Swift tribute artist that was fun for the families to sing and dance to, so we are excited to bring that Boy Band nostalgia to Friday evening this year," adds Holland.
In addition to the hot air balloons and headlining entertainment on the main stage, the Centralia High School Band and Choir will perform at the opening ceremony on Friday at 3:30pm. This tradition allows the public to preview the field show for the marching showcase, attended by families and friends.
Opening on Saturday at 3:30pm will be acoustic performance by Leight July, from Paducah, Kentucky. She is a singer-songwriter and one-person band who travels all over the Midwest, playing at various venues from festivals to taverns.
On Sunday, August 23, during the Family Fun Day, magician Dan Davis will perform walk-around magic before taking the main stage at 1:30pm.
Of course, the main reason for Balloon Fest is the hot air balloons scheduled to fly every night at 5:30pm from Fairview Park and the surrounding areas. The Balloon Glow is scheduled from 7:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday and Saturday.
Bring your lawn chairs, your blankets, and your sunscreen to see all of the entertainment, sights, and sounds of Balloon Fest all weekend August 21-23, 2026. For a full schedule and more details, please visit centraliaballoonfest.com.