Plainville Fire Company 39th Hot Air Balloon Festival

Plainville Fire Company 39th Hot Air Balloon Festival returns as one of the largest and most anticipated community events of the season, drawing massive crowds to Norton Park. With more than 13,000 people already showing interest, the festival has grown into a major regional attraction, blending visual spectacle with a full schedule of activities across two days. Hosted by the Plainville Fire Company, the event also supports local firefighters, adding a strong community purpose to its scale.

At the center of the festival are the hot air balloons, with early morning and evening launches offering the most dramatic views as they rise over the park. These moments draw large crowds and create a visual experience that sets the event apart from typical fairs. Around the launches, the festival expands into a full-day event featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and activities that keep the grounds active from morning through night.

The two-day schedule gives visitors flexibility, with Friday evening offering a more relaxed entry into the weekend and Saturday delivering a full day of programming starting at sunrise. The combination of large attendance, family-friendly activities, and the unique draw of hot air balloons makes this one of the standout summer events in Connecticut. For many, it’s not just a festival. It’s a seasonal tradition built around community, spectacle, and shared experience.