Plano Balloon Festival 2025: Your Complete DFW Guide

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival returns to Oak Point Park and Red Tail Pavilion for four colorful days, Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21, 2025. Expect sunrise launches, evening balloon glows, live music, skydivers, runs, food vendors, and a big community vibe.

Quick Facts

• Where: Oak Point Park and Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074.

• When: Thu 5 pm to 10 pm, Fri 4 pm to 10 pm, Sat 6 am to 10 pm, Sun 6 am to 11 am.

• Tickets: Onsite sales available. Typical pricing shows Adults $10, Kids 3–12 $5, Seniors 65+ $5. Check the official page for current details.

• Transit and parking: Free shuttle buses run continuously from DART Parker Road Station to Admission Gate 4. On-site and prime parking options are posted each year.

Schedule Highlights

Balloon activities are timed to calm winds, so the best action is around dawn and dusk. Weather can delay or cancel balloon operations for safety.

• Thu, Sept 18: Evening Balloon Glow about 7:30 pm.

• Fri, Sept 19: Balloon Glow about 7:30 pm, plus concerts and fireworks.

• Sat, Sept 20: 7:00 am Balloon Launch, evening Balloon Glow. Live bands all day.

• Sun, Sept 21: 7:00 am Balloon Launch, festival wraps by late morning.

Pro tip: Morning sessions are lighter on crowds. Evenings deliver the glow, concerts, and often fireworks.

What To Expect On-Site

• Main stage entertainment, parachute team exhibitions, kids fun zone, local vendors, and plenty of eats.

• Tethered balloon rides are often offered on site, weather permitting, and may be cash only. Availability can change day to day.

• Coolers are discouraged but not prohibited, alcohol is prohibited. Pets are not recommended due to crowds and noise.

Getting There

Set your map to DART Parker Road Station if you plan to ride the free shuttle, or check the festival’s parking page for prime and overflow lots. Buses drop at Gate 4 and run repeatedly during event hours.

Plano Balloon Festival Races

The festival weekend includes a 5K and 1K on Saturday morning, and 10K and Half Marathon on Sunday morning, with early starts near Oak Point. Packet pickup is in advance, no race-day pickup. Verify current distances and times before registering.

Tips To Max Your Experience

1. Watch the forecast and the festival’s channels, since winds govern launches and glows.

2. Arrive early for parking and photos, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

3. Plan for ground time. Even if a launch is scrubbed, glows, vendors, music, and skydivers keep things lively.

4. Use the shuttle from DART Parker Road Station to avoid lot traffic.

5. Bring a small kit for comfort, lights, and photos after dark. See the list below.

What To Bring to the Plano Balloon Festival

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1. Portable Phone Charger

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2. Waterproof Picnic Blanket

   1. Comfortable seating for field viewing and the glow.👉 Large waterproof blanket search: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=waterproof+picnic+blanket+large

3. Compact Folding Chairs

   1. Lightweight chairs make the wait between events easy.👉 Folding camp chair search: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=compact+folding+camp+chair

4. Bug Repellent

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5. LED Headlamp or FlashlightHelpful for post-show walks and packing up after fireworks.👉 LED headlamp search: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=led+headlamp+rechargeable

The Plano Balloon Festival is a North Texas classic, easy to reach from anywhere in DFW, and packed with sunrise launches, evening glows, music, food, and family fun. Check dates, hours, and day-of weather updates on the official site before you go, then grab your blanket and catch the glow.

FAQ: Plano Balloon Festival 2025

Where is the Plano Balloon Festival held?

• At Oak Point Park and Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074.

When is the 2025 Plano Balloon Festival?

• The festival runs Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21, 2025. Events start Thursday evening and continue through Sunday morning.

What are the festival hours?

• Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm

• Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm

• Saturday: 6 am – 10 pm

• Sunday: 6 am – 11 am

How much are tickets?

• General admission is typically $10 for adults, $5 for kids (3–12), and $5 for seniors (65+). Children under 3 are free. Prices may change, so check the official website before going.

Is parking available?

• Yes, parking is available onsite, and free shuttles run from DART Parker Road Station to the admission gates. Shuttle buses are continuous during event hours.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

• Coolers are discouraged, and alcohol is not allowed. Food and beverage vendors are available inside the festival.

Are pets allowed?

• Pets are not recommended due to large crowds, fireworks, and loud noises.

What happens if the balloons don’t fly?

• Balloon launches and glows are weather dependent. Even if conditions cancel balloon activities, other entertainment such as live music, skydivers, and the kids’ fun zone will still go on.

Are there races during the festival?

• Yes. The festival includes a 5K and 1K fun run on Saturday morning and a 10K and Half Marathon on Sunday morning.

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