About Carson Valley Balloon Festival

Hot air ballooning is a hallmark of the Carson Valley. Balloons have been flying in the Valley since the early 70s. Our stable morning weather, open areas, generous landowners and mountain views make it one of the most unique ballooning areas in the country.

Many corporate ride balloon companies have existed in the area over time. However, a new momentum started in the 2010s and by the 2020s a new wave of active sport balloon pilots emerged in the area. On a Saturday or Sunday morning, it became common to see a dozen or so balloons gracing the Valley skies.

A Festival Emerges

After seeing groups of balloons flying, the public began commenting on social media that they thought they had missed a balloon festival. This sparked an idea: what if we had a more organized gathering of balloons and let the public know? This idea took flight on April 2, 2022 when, at the Douglas Senior & Community Center, approximately 20 hot air balloons took to the skies. The colorful display was overwhelmingly loved as shown by the hundreds of community members who came out to watch.

In 2023, the Center for Hope and Healing approached a few local balloon pilots with the idea that they would help organize the festival as a benefit to the Center. The inaugural Hot Air for Hope Carson Valley Balloon festival took place in May 2023 with nearly 30 balloons. The event has grown to be a major annual tourism draw for Carson Valley that involves not only balloons, but also food, music, vendors and performers. In 2024 the Carson Valley Balloon Festival was formally organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to preserve the balloon festival for years to come.