As opening day approaches for the 2022 Lancaster Balloon Festival, locals and tourists planning to travel to the area are making plans and determining their itinerary for the festival weekend. The area lights up with spectators from near and far for this popular event, looking onward to the vibrantly colorful balloons in the sky above scenic Lancaster Amish country and taking advantage of all there is to do on the ground. 

Whether this is your first year or your tenth, we’re sharing some important information you’ll want to hang onto for festival weekend. From parking details and directions to local accommodations and more, learn everything you need to know about the 2022 Lancaster Balloon Festival & Country Fair, and mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind weekend event!

Tips For First-timers And Returning Regulars

Every summer, this magical festival brings awe and amazement to guests from all over. Promising the perfect event for aeronautical nuts or families looking for the perfect way to enjoy Lancaster County for a weekend, guests can enjoy Lancaster County’s horizon bathed in a rainbow of technicolor beautiful balloons. Regardless of how many times you’ve gone in the past, these are some things you won’t want to miss this go-around. 

It’s Worth Getting Up Very Early for the Balloon Ascension

Some of the best views and photography opportunities happen during the balloon ascension in the early morning hours. As colorful bursts of air-filled bags float up into the sky, the morning hours offer something extra special. 

Balloon ascension happens on Saturday and Sunday mornings around 7 am (weather dependent). As the sky lights up with the morning sun beams, the hot air balloons take flight and scatter across the beautiful Lancaster County backdrop. 

You’re Free to Walk Among the Balloons and Talk with Pilots

If you’re interested in aeronautics, this is an especially exciting opportunity! While guests can walk among the balloons and take photos throughout the festival weekend, we encourage you to talk with the balloon pilots and learn more about the balloons from the experts. 

Kids also love talking with pilots and even asking for autographs! Make the moment one you will all remember for a lifetime. 

Say Hello to the Balloon Glow

If you’ve never experienced the balloon glow, this is part of the festival you will not want to miss. During the evening balloon glow on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Hot Air Balloons return to the launch field and set up in the dark to “glow.” Another breathtaking view of the balloons, seeing these massive balloons glow in the sky is worth the trip. 

While photos don’t do this magical time justice, we encourage you to snap some images if you can to remember for years to come – and to make your friends wish they were there, too!

Know Before You Go

Now that you’re ready with your weekend itinerary, it’s time to dive into the event’s logistics that you will want to keep in mind. You can also reference the event FAQ section for additional information (including weather dependent information) you may be interested in. 

Parking

Free on-site parking and backup parking are available within walking distance of the event. For the 2022 festival, there is no parking fee. 

Concessions

Concessions will be available during the festival weekend with options including hotdogs, soft pretzels, ice cream, and various food trucks. Please note, as a family-friendly event, no alcoholic beverages or coolers may be brought into the festival.

Items Allowed

Festival guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to gather in the field. No alcoholic beverages, coolers, or weapons of any kind may be brought into the festival.

Staying in Bird-in-Hand, PA

Bird-in-Hand is a quaint and quiet small town on the outskirts of Lancaster city with close proximity to the festival grounds and local family entertainment. We recommend finding lodging for the weekend and exploring the local area when you’re not at the festival. 

You can find details about local accommodations and properties in Bird-in-Hand here!

Grab Your Tickets Today!

If you haven’t yet purchased your admission tickets for this year’s event, you can grab your general admission passes or flight tickets now! 

Looking For More Facts And Tips? 

We can help with that! You can explore our FAQs for additional information and visit our blog for more ideas about things to do while visiting the area. We can’t wait to see you at this year’s festival soon!