Would you dare call yourself an adrenaline junkie, but with a family-oriented twist? Join the 8th annual Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival. Hot Springs is stocked and loaded with events and memorable experiences for all ages.
Fill your agenda with these 5 celebratory events all over town.
1. Experience Live Performances
Some say that music is magical, so the festival brought them together.
Kim and the Classics will be delivering live music along with some surprise guests at Centennial Park. Magician Jared Furnau, on the other hand, will be providing entertainment for the little ones.
On Friday, the magic show will kick off the live entertainment at noon. Later in the evening, Kim and the Classics will perform. Plus, live music will be played from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The magical experience allows for adult and child play, keeping the entire family on their toes.
““Over the years, we have grown the festival to around 30 hot air balloons.” – olivia Mears
2. Join in on the Balloon Extravaganza
Balloons are used for more than just birthday parties. Some put your head in the clouds, literally.
Let your imagination come alive, no matter what your size. Walk-in balloons can accommodate the fearful. Balloon Launch and Glow Around Town will please the observers, and booked balloon rides with Fly the Festival will exhilarate the fearless.
Walk-in Balloons will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, followed by the nightly feature of Glow Around Town. Balloon rides, however, may take place throughout the entirety of the festival and Balloon Launch will be held at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings.
“Bear in mind, all balloon events are weather permitting,” said Olivia Mears, executive and festival director of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival.
As we know, all good things must come with a price. Let the joys continue knowing a wide variety of events will be held free of cost.
“There is no charge to attend the launches or the Night Glow Around Town and the Saturday park activities are also free,” said Mears.
Festival Schedule
The 2023 schedule is subject to change. Additional events to be added and updated. Follow Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival on Facebook for the latest updates.
Magic Show with Jared Furnau
August 25 // 12 p.m.
Centennial Park
Vendor Market
August 25 // 12 – 8 p.m.
Centennial Park
Farmer’s Market
August 25 // 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mammoth Site Fun Zone!
August 26 // 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Mammoth Site
Breakfast in Centennial Park
August 26 // 8 a.m.
Centennial Park
SHREC Fun Run and Breakfast
August 26 // 8:30 a.m.
Centennial Park
Vendor Market and Live Music
August 26 // 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Centennial Park
Book Barn
August 26 // 6 – 8 p.m.
Butler Park
Cemetery Walk
August 27 // 4 p.m.
Evergreen Cemetery
3. Can You Take the Heat?
The occasion has been spiced up. Water is a necessity, and not just for hydration.
“Ace Hardware will have hot sauce tastings, kid’s crafts, and raffles going on out front,” informed Mears.
There will be hot sauce tastings to satisfy lunch hours and your appetite. You can compete against a friend or just take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Fly The Festival
Attendees can experience the festival from above by booking an exclusive hot air balloon ride. Call the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce for more details.
4. Shop Til’ You Drop
There is one thing that you can rely on any festival to have; shopping. Vendors will be lined up at Centennial Park throughout the weekend.
If you are looking for a thirst or hunger cure, look no further. Alternatively, if you are looking to represent the festival and find a new wardrobe, this is the place for you.
Dragon Fire Jewelry and KZ Backyard BBQ are assured to be there as well as many more.
5. Leave Your Children Awestruck
Children aren’t easily entertained. This festival puts in the extra work to assure that the kids are the least of your worries.
The plentiful options include personal balloon animals with a show on Friday, the Mammoth Site Fun Zone, and Centennial Park Kid Zone on Saturday.
Capture all the good memories and take Mears’s advice, “Don’t forget your camera or smartphone.”
For more information, visit FALLRIVERBALLOONFESTIVAL.COM+
