Mass Ascension
Dozens of balloons take off together at sunrise. Walk the launch field and watch them fill with hot air right in front of you.
September 10–12, 2027
Joplin Balloon FestivalJoplin, Missouri
Three days of sunrise launches, a glowing night sky, live music and family fun in the heart of the Four States.
--Days
--Hours
--Minutes
--Seconds
- 30+Hot air balloons
- 3Days of fun
- FreeKids 12 & under
- 2Night glows
About the festival
Southwest Missouri's most colorful weekend
Every September, balloon pilots from across the country bring their giant, rainbow-bright balloons to Joplin. Watch them inflate up close, cheer as they lift off together at sunrise, and stay for an evening glow you'll never forget.
The Joplin Balloon Festival is a family-friendly event for everyone in Joplin, Carthage, Webb City, Neosho and the Four States region. Bring a blanket, grab a funnel cake and look up.
What's happening
Things to do
Something for every age
From pre-dawn launches to after-dark glows, there's always something lighting up the sky.
Balloon Night Glow
As the sun sets, tethered balloons light up like giant lanterns in time with music.
Tethered Rides
Rise about 50 feet in a real balloon basket for an amazing view of the festival grounds.
Free Kids Zone
Bounce houses, face painting, crafts and balloon-themed games for little aviators.
Food & Vendors
Local food trucks, sweet treats, cold drinks and craft vendors from around the Four States.
Live Music
Regional bands on the main stage every evening. Bring lawn chairs and stay a while.
Festival schedule
Plan your weekend
Friday, Sept 10
- Gates open
- Food, vendors & kids zone
- Evening balloon launch
- Live music
- Night Glow
Saturday, Sept 11
- Sunrise Mass Ascension
- Kids zone & tethered rides
- Vendors & food all day
- Evening balloon launch
- Night Glow & fireworks
Sunday, Sept 12
- Sunrise Mass Ascension
- Pancake breakfast
- Kids zone & tethered rides
- Pilot meet & greet
- Farewell launch
Balloon flights depend on the weather and are always the pilots' call. Check back here and on our social pages for live updates.
Tickets
Grab your spot under the balloons
Kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult. Parking is free.
Best value
Weekend Pass
$25
- All 3 days
- Every launch & glow
- Pancake breakfast included
Plan your visit
Getting to the festival
Joplin sits right on I-44 and historic Route 66, an easy drive from Springfield, Tulsa, Fayetteville and Pittsburg.
📍 Location
Joplin Balloon Festival Grounds
Joplin, Missouri
Free parking next to the grounds, with accessible parking near the main gate.
Open in Google Maps🎒 What to bring
- Lawn chairs or a blanket
- A jacket for chilly sunrise launches
- Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle
- Your camera (and a charged phone)
- Please leave pets, drones and coolers at home
Get involved
Be part of the festival
We're looking for pilots, sponsors, vendors and volunteers to help make it the best year yet.
Sponsors
Put your business in front of thousands of families across the Four States.
Become a sponsor →Vendors
Food trucks, crafters and local businesses: reserve a booth on the festival grounds.
Apply to be a vendor →
FAQ
Questions? We've got answers
When is the Joplin Balloon Festival?
The 2027 festival runs Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12, 2027 in Joplin, Missouri.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Balloons only fly in calm, safe conditions, usually in the early morning and evening. Pilots make the final call. Music, food and the kids zone go on rain or shine.
Can I ride in a hot air balloon?
Yes. Tethered rides lift you about 50 feet in the air and are sold on site, weather permitting. Riders under 18 must be with an adult.
Are kids and pets welcome?
Kids 12 and under get in free and the kids zone is free. Please leave pets at home, since burners are loud and the field gets crowded. Service animals are welcome.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking is available next to the festival grounds, with accessible parking near the main gate.