If you’ve ever wanted to check a hot air balloon ride off your bucket list, you’ll soon have the chance without traveling far from Washington, D.C.
The D.C. Hot Air Balloon Festival is returning to the DMV this August for two evenings of illuminated balloons, live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and optional tethered balloon rides.
Taking place at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland, the festival is expected to transform the venue into a colorful nighttime spectacle as dozens of glowing balloons light up the sky.
Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a family outing, or the perfect summer photo opportunity, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
When and where is the D.C. Hot Air Balloon Festival taking place?
The D.C. Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place on Friday, August 14th, and Saturday, August 15th, at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
Each evening runs from 5 pm to 10 pm, giving visitors plenty of time to explore before the signature nighttime balloon glow begins.
Rosecroft Raceway is located at 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Fort Washington, MD, making it an easy drive from downtown DC, Northern Virginia, and much of suburban Maryland.
Organizers describe the event as two unforgettable nights filled with hot air balloons, music, food, and family fun, making it one of the more unique outdoor festivals happening around the D.C. region this summer.
What can you expect at the festival?
The highlight of the festival is, of course, the colorful hot air balloons, which will inflate throughout the evening before lighting up during the popular balloon glow after sunset.
Visitors will have the opportunity to walk around the balloons, take photos, and watch them illuminate the night sky.
For anyone looking to make the experience even more memorable, tethered hot air balloon rides will also be available.
These rides lift passengers into the air while remaining securely anchored to the ground, offering panoramic views of the festival and surrounding area.
Organizers note that balloon rides are sold during the event only and are weather dependent.
In addition to the balloons, guests can expect:
- 🎈 Tethered hot air balloon rides
- 🍔 Food vendors
- 🎶 Live music and entertainment
- 🛍️ Local vendors
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly activities
- 📸 Plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities
The event is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, making it a fun option for families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
How much does it cost, and how do you get tickets?
Tickets are available online through the festival’s official ticketing partners, and organizers recommend purchasing in advance, as attendance is limited.
- Adult tickets – $24.87
- Child tickets – $13.20
- Adult VIP tickets – $51.40
- Child VIP tickets – $13.20
You can purchase tickets through the official Rosecroft Raceway event page.
Visitors planning to experience a tethered balloon ride should keep in mind that those rides are purchased separately during the event and are subject to weather conditions.
