The New Jersey Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the most popular annual events in New Jersey. Hot air balloons take flight and fill the skies during this exciting festival that attracts thousands of spectators each year. If you’re wondering where exactly the NJ Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place, here is a quick overview of the event’s location and venue.
The Festival Takes Place in Readington, NJ
The New Jersey Hot Air Balloon Festival is held in Readington, NJ. Readington is a township located in Hunterdon County, in the north-central region of New Jersey. The township encompasses various small unincorporated communities including Whitehouse Station, Stanton, Pleasant Run, and Readington Village.
Readington Township offers a picturesque backdrop for the hot air balloon festival with its rolling hills, open fields, and horse farms. The expansive open spaces provide ideal launch sites and viewing opportunities for the hot air balloon events. The festival utilizes various launch sites throughout Readington including Reid Sod Farm and Solberg Airport.
Key Venues for the Festival
While launches take place at various sites, the main festival venue is Solberg Airport. Solberg Airport is a privately owned, public use airport located 3 miles southeast of Readington Village. The airport serves as the primary base for the festival featuring live music performances, food vendors, amusement rides, and other attractions.
In addition to Solberg Airport, the following venues are used during the multi-day festival:
- Reid Sod Farm – A sod farm that serves as a hot air balloon launch site
- Readington Middle School – Used for balloon pilot registration and check-in
- Readington Township Municipal Building – Houses additional food vendors and attractions
So while launches fan out across Readington, the core festival activities take place at Solberg Airport and the nearby facilities in Readington Township.
Festival Launch Sites
The hot air balloons launch from various sites during the festival depending on wind conditions and other factors. Here are some of the primary launch sites used:
- Solberg Airport – The airport’s large open grass fields are suitable for launches.
- Reid Sod Farm – The farm offers sprawling open space for balloon take-offs.
- Polo Grounds – The open grass fields at this facility are used for launches.
- Hunterdon Central High School – The school’s athletic fields serve as a launch site.
- Echo Hill Park – This municipal park provides space for balloon launches.
Pilots and crews drive around the area to the various active launch sites each day. The festival’s mobile app and social media pages keep spectators informed of the active launch locations each morning.
When is the Festival Held?
The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning (the official name of the event) takes place during late July each year. The multi-day festival typically runs Friday through Sunday on the last weekend of July.
The 2023 festival is scheduled for July 28-30. The festival has taken place on the last weekend of July annually since 1981.
Festival Hours
The festival runs from Friday morning through Sunday evening each year. Here are the typical hours of operation:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
The early morning and evening hours allow spectators to observe the hot air balloon glows and launches. Afternoon hours feature various family-friendly entertainment and attractions.
How to Get to the Festival
Readington Township is accessible by car via major highways and roads. Here are some directions for driving to the festival’s main venue at Solberg Airport:
- From the New Jersey Turnpike: Take Exit 10 to Interstate 287 North. Drive approximately 20 miles to Exit 17B for US-202 South/US-206 South toward Somerville. Follow for 7 miles and turn left onto Whitehouse Road. The airport is 2 miles ahead on the right.
- From Interstate 78: Take Exit 17 for NJ-31 South toward Clinton. After 10 miles, turn right onto US-202 South/US-206 South. Follow for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Whitehouse Road. Drive 2 miles to the airport on the right.
- From New York City: Take Interstate 95 North (New Jersey Turnpike) to Exit 10 for Interstate 287 North. Then follow directions as from the NJ Turnpike above.
- From Philadelphia: Take I-95 North into New Jersey to Exit 4A for NJ-31 North toward Clinton. Drive approximately 25 miles and turn left onto US-202 South/US-206 South. Follow for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Whitehouse Road. The airport is 2 miles ahead on the right.
Parking is available at Solberg Airport and the other festival venues. Shuttle buses run attendees between the airport, off-site parking, and other nearby festival locations.
Public Transportation
While most attendees drive, public transit options are available on NJ Transit:
- Train: Take the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line to the White House Station. There are some shuttles between the station and festival sites.
- Bus: Take NJ Transit bus 884 or 885 to Route 523 & Main Street in Whitehouse. It’s approximately 2 miles to Solberg Airport.
Lodging Near the Festival
There are ample hotel and motel options for those looking to stay overnight in the area while attending the festival. Here are some lodging choices located within a short drive of Solberg Airport and other balloon festival venues:
| Name | Location | Distance to Solberg Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn Clinton | 1378 Route 31 South, Clinton, NJ | 8 miles |
| Holiday Inn Clinton | 111 West Main Street, Clinton, NJ | 8 miles |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Flemington | 165 Highway 202/31, Flemington, NJ | 8 miles |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Flemington | Three Rivers Drive, Flemington, NJ | 10 miles |
| Hampton Inn Somerville | 1 Pureland Way, Somerville, NJ | 12 miles |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Somerville | 200 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ | 12 miles |
A variety of bed & breakfast inns can also be found in nearby towns. Camping is an option at parks and campgrounds in the vicinity. Attendees planning to stay in the region for the full festival weekend should book accommodations well in advance.
Festival Events & Attractions
In addition to the remarkable hot air balloon launches, the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning features live music, amusement rides, games, shopping, and great food. Popular attractions include:
- Balloon Glows – At night, hot air balloons are inflated and light up in sync to music.
- Balloon Rides – Attendees can purchase tickets and take morning/evening hot air balloon rides.
- Helicopter Rides – Helicopter tours and rides are available at the festival.
- Music Performances – Live concerts take place on the main stage with local and national acts.
- Amusement Rides – Rides for kids and adults like a Ferris Wheel and roller coasters.
- 5K Race – A 5K running event takes place Saturday morning.
- Yoga – Morning yoga classes are offered on the field.
- Shopping – Arts & crafts, specialty foods, ballooning souvenirs, and more.
- Kids Zone – Inflatables and activities for kids like face painting and balloon twisting.
- Food Vendors – An array of food trucks and concessions offer festival cuisine.
Unique ballooning events like balloon splashdowns in the pond and balloon shaping competitions also take place. Attendees can wander through the evening balloon glows and nighttime concerts as the balloons light up the sky above.
Tickets & Pricing
The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning offers single-day tickets, 3-day weekend passes, and VIP tickets. Children 12 and under receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult. Ticket pricing is as follows:
| Ticket Type | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Single Day General Admission | $25 – $28 per person |
| Single Day VIP | $120 – $150 per person |
| Weekend General Admission Pass | $50 – $65 per person |
| Weekend VIP Pass | $350 – $400 per person |
VIP tickets include exclusive catered food and beverages, preferred parking, lounge access, front stage access, and more.
Discounted advance purchase tickets and passes are available online. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate during the festival using credit card or cash.
Getting Tickets
Festival tickets can be purchased:
- Online – Order tickets in advance at the festival’s website for discounted rates.
- By Phone – Call the festival box office at (908) 766-2431.
- In-Person – Tickets can be purchased at the gate during event hours with cash or credit.
Purchasing tickets online ahead of time is recommended to take advantage of discounted pricing. The festival often sells out, so advance tickets guarantee entry.
Weather Policy
As an outdoor festival, the event is subject to weather conditions. Here are some key points on the balloon festival’s weather policy:
- Balloon launches do not take place in inclement weather like rain and storms.
- No refunds or exchanges will be given due to weather.
- General admission tickets are valid for any one day of the festival weekend.
- If severe weather occurs, the festival will remain open with music and ground attractions still occurring.
- Visit the festival website and social media for updates on weather delays or changes.
While balloons cannot fly in unfavorable weather, the festival still takes place rain or shine. Tickets are only refundable if the entire event is cancelled, which is extremely rare.
Weather Backup Days
If balloon launches are cancelled due to weather during the festival, there are backup fly dates the following weekends:
- First Backup Weekend – The weekend immediately following the festival.
- Second Backup Weekend – The second weekend after the festival.
Ticketholders can redeem general admission tickets on any backup date that ballooning occurs. This allows people to enjoy the hot air balloon launches if they missed out due to weather during the festival weekend.
Festival FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the NJ Festival of Ballooning:
What are the festival hours each day?
Festival hours are:
- Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
The early morning and evening hours allow attendees to view the balloon launches and glows. Afternoon hours feature music, attractions, shopping, and activities.
Can I bring pets?
Pets are not allowed at the festival, with the exception of service animals. This policy ensures safety given the crowds and hot air balloon activities.
Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the festival venues. Solberg Airport offers parking for $10 per day. Off-site parking with shuttle transportation is also available. Premier paid parking with closer spots is offered for $25 per day.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Outside food and drinks are permitted, but not encouraged given the wide selection of vendors onsite. No alcohol from outside is allowed. All bags and coolers will be inspected at entry.
Do balloons launch in bad weather?
Balloon launches do not take place in precipitation, fog, high winds, storms, or other inclement weather conditions. However, other festival activities still take place rain or shine.
Where is lost and found?
Lost and found is located at the State Police Tent near the festival’s main entrance. Valuables like phones can be turned into any police or security guard onsite.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the festival aims to be accessible to people with disabilities. Paved pathways connect all activities. Contact the festival in advance to arrange any accommodations needed.
Final Tips for Attending
To make the most of your visit to the NJ Festival of Ballooning, keep these last tips in mind:
- Arrive early – Be onsite for balloon inflations and the national anthem ceremonies.
- BYO chair – Bring a portable chair to sit and relax between activities.
- Stay hydrated – Bring water and refill at water stations given summer heat.
- Pack sunscreen – Apply regularly when outdoors all day.
- Wear comfy shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot, so wear sneakers.
- Download the app – Use the festival’s app to view schedules and maps.
- Scope out parking – If driving, scope out parking areas in advance.
- Book hotels early – Reserve lodging several months in advance.
- Charge devices – Bring battery packs to charge phones and cameras.
- Visit the website – Check www.balloonfestival.com for full info.
From its stunning balloon launches to lively music and family fun, the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning creates an unforgettable summer experience. We hope this overview gave you a glimpse into what makes this beloved festival a must-visit event!