Plano Balloon Festival

This was my first experience of the Plano Balloon Festival, and I wasn't certain if the experience would be what I had anticipated. The website helped in understanding what all was involved so I went for the Saturday morning balloon launch vs the evening balloon glow. I felt like I had made the right choice for what I wanted to see with the balloons actively taking off. What was a bit clunky was the parking and traffic. I thought I had left early enough to get to the event and found I was amongst plenty of others with the same idea. By the time I parked and then had the walk to the actually launch area (just under a mile walk so you can prepare accordingly) the balloons had already started inflating. The good news is the launch event takes time as they don't all inflate and take off at the same time so I hadn't really missed out. In fact, I'd say allow about an hour or so from the posted start time of the launch to see them all off. I didn't hang around after that so I can't speak to what else there is to do after the balloons leave the area. Still something neat to see.

This is definitely an experience, first you have to navigate through some serious traffic. Get in line to park, then find a spot. I recommend parking where you can easily find your car. Once you park follow the crowds to the entrance to the festival. You are allowed to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, but it's a hike. Wear comfy shoes, and dress for the weather. This is an experience. For me this is my first for a balloon festival. So I made sure I did a little research. If you choose to ride the hot air balloon, it's 30 per person. Cash only. I recommend getting your cash at the bank to avoid their 4.00 fee for using their atm

Locals, like us, look forward to the Plano Balloon Festival!! Not many people know that this annual event was created to help non-profit agencies fundraise and bring awareness to their programs and services. Over time it grew into a huge family-oriented fun-filled event. They do a spectacular job!!I was blown away by the negative Yelp reviews. If you're expecting it to be the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta -- then yes, you're going to be very very disappointed. This is a small town affair and it's actually quite organized, safe, and impressive.This event traditionally is held over a long weekend sometime in mid-September. There is literally a fee for everything but keep in mind that this is one giant fundraiser. It's a very safe event to attend, there are dozens of police and security officers in general. They also have a special area set up if you need medical attention.Parking: There is a lot of parking across the street at the Plano Event Center ($10.00). There is limited parking at Collin College ($15.00). The VIP and handicap parking is the closest, follow the signs, I have no idea what those areas cost. FYI: If you need "handicap" parking, I can tell you it is a very long walk (a lot of uneven ground) just to get to the ticket booth.Tickets: Adults are $10.00 and it's $5.00 for those over 65. Children's tickets are discounted or free depending on their age. Keep in mind this is only an entry fee. If you plan to eat, drink, or enjoy rides -- those all cost extra. The prices were very similar to prices at the Texas State Fair.Entertainment: Every year they offer different kinds of music, shows and fireworks on different nights. Typically you can find that information on all of the promotional materials or on their website. The entertainment is included in your entry fee.Our evening was wonderful! In general, people brought chairs or blankets and found a spot to see the balloons light up, hear the music, and eat. It was a pet-friendly environment too! There were over 100+ vendors! Funnel cakes, fried pies, ice cream, BBQ, corn dogs, hamburgers, boba tea, beer, frozen drinks, as well as light up toys, t-shirts, candles, and homemade items to name a few. Dozens of companies promoted their products and had a ton of free swag to give away (or you could win bigger items with a spin wheel). There's also a Cornhole Tournament, a PBF marathon, The balloons were beautiful!! A lot of work goes into the setup and the night light show. These people love what they do and all they want is your appreciation for their time and energy.

I hate to give a 1 star review, but this was a deeply underwhelming experience. I wish I read these reviews before I went so I never wasted all that money and gas. Like others said, there are NO balloons.For a festival that has been going on for years, the organization and planning is awful. When trying to find parking, we got stuck in the same place 0.3 miles away from the main event parking on E Spring Creek Pkwy for over 30 minutes until we gave up and just parked far away. Even walking to the festival, it was so crowded that it was difficult to cross the street. The festival itself was crowded as well. With the tents and stands so tightly packed together, people were Everywhere and you couldn't easily walk around anywhere except the hill. We came in the evening to see the Balloon Glow event, which was put on an hour late. Being called a "Balloon" event, I wrongly assumed there would be balloons. It was simply a "show" turning fire on and off. Please save your time, money, and energy and go do something else.

This late summer/early fall festival happens in late September at Oak Point Park in Plano, TX.Yes, it has already happened this year, but save the date for next year- the dates for 2023 are September 21, 22, and 23. Other than watching hot air balloons, there is still plenty to do. You can find vendors at the fair, listen to concerts and performances, meet the pilots when they land, watch dancers, and enjoy the food court.Feel like running? Sign up for the 5k that happens on the Saturday morning of the fair. There is also a Kid's Fun Zone with games, rides, and art activities. Want to ride in a balloon? While you can't get full rides, you can do a tether ride for $25 (or $15 for kids).Depending on where you park, it's anywhere from $5 to $20.This year (2022)the parking attendants weren't accepting credit cards. and they have a lot of diversions they couldn't a lot of good parking. Tip: GO early for next year if you would like to enjoy it because of the traffic rules and diversion you will not be able to reach the place on time.

I should have heeded the previous review on here. This year I went and both the balloon launch and the balloon glow was canceled due to "windy weather". All I felt was a slight breeze. Just like previous reviews, there was no official announcements and the rumor of cancellation spread through crowd and social media. We wasted money on entrance and unreasonably expensive parking. I'd say there probably 10% chance of actually seeing a balloon inflated here. The festival website encouraged to not bring outside food or icebox because there are vendors, however the vendor lines are monstrous long. It can easily take more than half hour to get item from on stand. Overall overwhelmingly disappointing and forgettable experience.

Went two years in a row and both times were such disappointments. We did not see any balloons due to either trickles of rain one year or too windy the other year. Neither is the fault of the festival but why keep going to sit over two hours in traffic for parking to have a 75% likelihood that you won't even see any balloons. Skip it.

Poorly organized - from the traffic flow & parking to keeping spectators informed regarding the 'show'...everything seemed like a logistical nightmare.Love to support local festivals, but can't get behind this one.

$15 parking! Advertised 7 am start was false--nothing was even set up at that time. Breeze was lower at 6:45 when we arrived; wish they'd have been ready to go and just left on time. Announcer made a big deal of explaining breezy conditions & how dangerous it is for the balloons. All that to prepare the crowd for the inevitable disappointment that they wouldn't even set them up this morning. Instead you're paying to watch the pilots throw bean bags at a target on the ground (which normally they'd do from aloft). Guess all the fees to park & enter go to their awards for whoever gets closest. Only saving grace for us was the free entry for veterans--thank you!Will probably not ever come back if the entire point of the event is subject to such unpredictability.

I'm not from here so dependijt on this to find it was a night mare unless you want free parking and don't mind walking a lot. But with small children - crazy- walked on a fort road ended up in the back staff parking lot - was so lost for so long thankfully a cop gave us a ride back by the time we made it my son wanted to go back to the car. Guess it wasnt meant to be lol. Don't go into this parking lot that this map tells you keep driving up and I guess that's where the event is ill never know won't go back haha