Centralia Balloon Fest Returns August 21–23 with a New Location and Free Admission
One of Southern Illinois’ largest community event returns August 21–23, 2026! The 37th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest is scheduled to fill the skies, and Fairview Park, with hot air balloons, live entertainment, local food, shopping and family fun throughout the weekend.
This year marks an exciting new chapter for Balloon Fest as the event moves to Fairview Park, located at 1010 West Broadway in Centralia. The new, centrally located setting places visitors near local restaurants, shops and other amenities while offering paved walkways, playground equipment, sports courts and plenty of room to enjoy the festival.
The biggest news for 2026? Admission and parking are completely free all weekend!
Experience hot air balloons setting up all around you!
Hot Air Balloons Take Center Stage
Balloon Fest is known for giving visitors an up-close look as balloons inflate throughout the park before taking to the sky. With approximately 35 pilots expected, guests will have several opportunities to experience the sights and sounds that make this event so special.
Among this year’s featured balloons are “Como Se Llama,” a giant pink llama-shaped balloon sponsored by Kaskaskia College, and “Boo!”, a playful ghost-shaped balloon sponsored by Midland States Bank. The Freedom Flight IV POW/MIA balloon will also return, sponsored by Centralia’s VFW and American Legion.
Evening balloon flights are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, followed by tethered balloon rides beginning at 6 p.m. The festival’s signature Balloon Glows will begin at 7:30 p.m. both evenings. As daylight fades, pilots ignite their burners in unison, transforming the park into a glowing landscape of color.
Morning flights over Centralia are also planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Because flight locations depend on wind direction and weather conditions, morning launch information will be announced on the Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page at approximately 6:15 a.m.
All balloon activities are weather permitting and may change for the safety of pilots, crews and guests.
Live Music and Entertainment
The SSM Health Main Stage will feature entertainment throughout the weekend.
Friday begins with an opening ceremony featuring the Centralia High School Band and Choir at 3:30 p.m. Following the Balloon Glow, The Boy Band Night takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. with a high-energy tribute to some of pop music’s most recognizable boy-band hits.
Saturday’s entertainment begins at 3:30 p.m. with Leight July. At 8:30 p.m., local favorite Stir of Echoes will close out the evening with its signature 80’s & 90’s “dad-rock” sound.
The Main Stage at Centralia Balloon Fest will host live entertainment throughout the weekend!
Food, Shopping and Festival Favorites
Come hungry and leave time to explore! Approximately 18 food vendors and 80 craft booths are expected to participate in this year’s event. Visitors can enjoy festival favorites and shop from vendors throughout Fairview Park.
Balloon Fest’s move to the center of Centralia also makes it easier to continue your visit beyond the park. Grab breakfast after a morning flight, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, or spend some time exploring Centralia’s shops and attractions.
Sunday Free Family Fun Day
Sunday is dedicated to families, with activities scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. Free children’s activities will include inflatable jumps, miniature golf, games, Touch-A-Truck and more.
Fairview Park’s existing amenities add even more ways to play, including playgrounds, an American Ninja Warrior-style course, tennis and pickleball courts, volleyball, horseshoes and a skatepark.
The C-Town Skate Crew Skateboarding Competition will take place from noon to 4 p.m., while a Car and Motorcycle Show is scheduled from 1–4 p.m. A final evening flight featuring local balloons is planned for 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Plan Your Visit
Centralia Balloon Fest will be held at Fairview Park, 1010 West Broadway, Centralia, Illinois.
Friday, August 21: 3–10 p.m.
Saturday, August 22: 3–10 p.m.
Sunday, August 23: Noon–6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Fairview Park Plaza is the official festival parking area. Additional off-site parking will be available, with South Central Transit shuttle stops at City Hope Church and Downtown Centralia. Shuttle rides are $1 per person. This $1 is a donation that SCT puts towards community projects.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen. Alcohol, coolers, and unauthorized vehicles are not permitted in the park. Dogs must remain leashed, although organizers recommend leaving pets at home when possible because of the large crowds that are expected and loud noise produced by balloon burners.
For immediate weather announcements and schedule changes during Balloon Fest weekend, follow the Centralia Balloon Fest Facebook page. Additional event information is available on the official Centralia Balloon Fest website.
Whether you come for the first balloon flight of the morning, an evening glow, or a full day of food and family fun, Centralia Balloon Fest offers an unforgettable summer weekend in the heart of Southern Illinois. Make your plans now and come See Centralia August 21–23!
