Up, Up, and Away at the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is one of those magical summer events you’ll never forget. Every August, the sky over the Androscoggin River fills with colorful balloons, creating a breathtaking scene. Nearly 100,000 visitors gather in Simard-Payne Memorial Park. Guests watch the lift-offs, hear live music, and soak up the festive atmosphere there.

Then, get ready for the ultimate three-day party at the LA Balloon Festival. After that, stick around for the fun and excitement! Plus, we’ve got all the tips you need to make your visit super comfy. Finally, join us and experience the magic of the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn.

Hot air balloons drift wherever the wind takes them, which makes every ride an adventure. You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance. After that, complete a short ride application. Balloon baskets hold two to ten people. Share the skies with friends or savor a quiet moment together.

Prefer to stay closer to the ground? Tethered balloon rides happen right in the main field. These gentle lifts still deliver breathtaking views but feel more contained. You’ll see fun specialty shapes, styles, and classic rainbow-striped giants. Together, the twin cities create a show you’ll remember for years.

The festival isn’t just about balloons in the morning sky. All weekend, food vendors keep hungry guests happy. Local musicians fill the air with live tunes, and carnival rides bring pure joy to everyone.

On Friday night, the “moonglow” steals the show. When balloons return from their evening flight, pilots keep the burners lit. The glow creates an incredible ground-level light show, and the crowd can’t help but cheer. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of festival fun.

Start your morning with the Pancake Breakfast under the big tent at Simard-Payne Park. Pancakes are served from 6:00 am to 10:00am. After breakfast, you’ll be ready for a full day of fun.

Next, stroll over to the Vendor Fair. You’ll find Maine-made crafts and artisan goods. Each booth offers something unique to browse or buy. It’s a lovely way to take home a piece of the festival. Meanwhile, food booths tempt you with fair favorites. Burgers, fries, and sweet treats fill the air with delicious smells. Even better, every bite supports local non-profits running the stands.

Then, head to the mainstage for music. Country Roads plays today’s biggest country hits. You might two-step, line dance, or sing along with the crowd. Finally, Traveller closes the evening with an unforgettable tribute to Chris Stapleton. Each harmony blends perfectly with the guitar solos, and every note feels right. 

The show will leave you cheering long after the last song. And that’s just the start — so much more is happening all weekend.

The event planners want the attendees to pay close attention to the few restrictions they enforce during the festival:

• No smoking is allowed.

• Leave your pets at home.

• Skateboards, bikes, roller blades and other wheeled toys are not permitted. This is a safety precaution as the walkways are filled with spectators, especially at launch time.

• No alcohol is permitted.

• Flying drones during the event requires prior written permission.

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival isn’t something you see every day. Each August, the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn share their skies with these magical balloons. The fairgrounds are less than a half-hour from our Wolf Cove Inn, making us an ideal stay. 

Can’t make it this year? That’s okay — Maine offers countless festivals and activities all year. You’ll find fresh air, open spaces, and endless reasons to visit. For more ideas, check out our Visitors Guide and start planning your unforgettable Maine getaway.

Book now for this event and bring your sense of adventure.

Photo Credit: © Sunrae from Pixabay via canva.com, © Kevin Bidwell from Pexels via canva.com