The 41st Annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is coming June 26-28 in Howell.
The annual event — hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce — takes place at Howell High School and has been dubbed “one of the premier summertime activities in Michigan.”
The family-friendly festival includes wildly popular hot air balloon launches and other fun activities like carnival rides and vendor shopping. For your planning purposes, we’ve compiled a complete guide on what to expect:
How much is admission to Balloonfest?
Daily admission is $5 per person, with weekend wristbands available for $10 until 6 p.m. June 27 at ticketsignup.io/ticketevent/michallengeballoonfest.
Children under 3 enter free, and veterans with ID will be admitted free June 28. Those purchasing tickets online can expect small service fees.
The event’s gate hours are 2-11 p.m. June 26, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. June 27, and 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. June 28.
How much are carnival rides at Balloonfest?
Big Rock Amusements is supplying over 20 rides, with carnival wristbands available at the ticket booth or online. A daily carnival armband is $30, though individual credits can be purchased. Presale wristbands are available for $25 (plus fees) through 2 p.m. June 25.
Those paying per credit can expect a variety of price options, ranging from 25 cents for 1 to $98 for 392. The rides require 10-25 credits each.
The carnival operates 2-10 p.m. June 25, 2-11 p.m. June 26, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. June 27 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 28.
When will hot air balloons launch?
The hot air balloons will launch between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 26-28. They’ll fly into the launch site between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on June 27-28.
It’s important to note that weather conditions, including wind, thunderstorms and rain, can impact balloon launches. There will be no refunds, but organizers will announce cancellations as needed.
Where can I park for Balloonfest?
Free parking is available at Howell High School and Citizen’s Insurance. LETS Transportation will provide a shuttle 4-10 p.m. June 26, 2-10 p.m. June 27 and 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. June 28.
The shuttle will make a continuous loop around the grounds, with stops at Voyager Elementary, Challenger Elementary, Highlander Way and Citizen’s Insurance, among other spots.
A full map with details can be found at michiganchallenge.com/parking-3. For the most recent updates, organizers recommend downloading the festival’s app.
What food and drinks will be available at Balloonfest?
As of May 26, expected food and drink vendors include 2Fog’s Pub, Almonds R Nuts, Grand Traverse Pie Company, I Love Pig, Junkyard Pit Crew, Kona Ice, La Finca Tacos Howell, Pierogi Rig, Soda Bae, Sierra Club Crossroads Group, Tom’s Travelin’ Coffee and The Whole Enchilada.
When is the Balloon Glow?
The festival’s most popular event is slated for June 27, as hot air balloons inflate and light up from the ground at sunset. The event begins after the pilots and balloons return to the launch field following the evening’s launch.
What family-friendly activities are available at Balloonfest?
Balloonfest also offers crafts, live music, an animal show, juggling shows, an open air market, a classic car show and a new pancake breakfast.
Learn more at michiganchallenge.com.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: The Daily’s Ultimate Guide to Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily | USA TODAY Network
