The 53rd annual Carolina BalloonFest is set to take flight October 16-18 at the Statesville Regional Airport, featuring a record 60 hot air balloons, live entertainment, and a new Friday night balloon glow spectacular.

The beloved fall festival, one of the Southeast’s premier balloon events, draws over 50,000 visitors annually to Statesville. This year’s lineup includes balloons from 14 states, aerobatic flight demonstrations, and tethered balloon rides available to the public.

New additions include a craft village featuring 75 artisan vendors, a kids’ STEM zone with aviation-themed activities, and a Saturday night concert headlined by Carolina country artist Scotty McCreery.

“BalloonFest is Statesville’s signature event,” said festival director Karen Bunch. “Every year we work to make it bigger and better while keeping that small-town festival feeling everyone loves.” Tickets are available at carolinaballoonfest.com.