Plano Balloon Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets, Balloon Glow & What to Know

Every September, one of North Texas' most colorful traditions returns to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The 2026 H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival takes over Oak Point Park from Thursday, September 17, through Sunday, September 20, bringing dozens of colorful hot air balloons, live concerts, fireworks, family activities, food vendors and one of the Metroplex's most photogenic balloonfest weekends.

While it's only a short drive from Dallas, the festival feels like a mini getaway—making it a great weekend option for B96 listeners looking for something different to do before fall festival season kicks into high gear.

More Than Just Hot Air Balloons

Yes, the balloons are the stars of the show.

If you've never seen a Balloon Glow, imagine dozens of giant hot air balloons lighting up the evening sky in sync with music as the burners fire against the sunset. It's one of those North Texas events that's just as impressive in person as it is on Instagram.

📍 2026 Plano Balloon Festival

Dates: September 17–20, 2026
Location: Oak Point Park & Red Tail Pavilion, Plano
Highlights: Hot air balloons, Balloon Glow, live music, fireworks, food vendors, family activities and more.

Weather permitting, Balloon Glow is scheduled for:

• - Thursday evening
• - Friday evening
• - Saturday evening

Early risers can also catch traditional morning balloon launches on Saturday and Sunday.

B96 Tip: Want the best photos? Arrive about 30–45 minutes before sunset. You'll catch the balloons in daylight, golden hour and during the evening Balloon Glow without rushing.

Live Music, Fireworks And Family Fun

The festival isn't just about balloons.

Throughout the four-day event, visitors can enjoy:

• - Live concerts on the FOX4 Main Stage
• - A spectacular Saturday night fireworks show
• - Skydiving demonstrations
• - Kids Fun Zone attractions
• - Food vendors
• - Shopping and festival exhibits

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Saturday is expected to be the busiest day, featuring balloon launches in the morning, live entertainment throughout the day, Balloon Glow after sunset and fireworks to close out the night.

Perfect For Your Camera Roll

If you're always looking for your next Instagram or TikTok post, this is one of North Texas' best photo opportunities.

Whether it's colorful balloons rising over Oak Point Park, glowing at sunset or lighting up the night sky, you'll leave with plenty of photos—and probably a few videos too.

Plan Ahead Before You Go

The festival runs:

• -Thursday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• -Friday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• -Saturday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• -Sunday: 6 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Tickets are available online in advance, allowing visitors to skip the ticket sales lines at the entrance.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE.

Parking and Transportation

Parking is available at several official lots surrounding the Plano Balloon Festival, including both Prime Parking ($15 per vehicle) and Off-Site Parking ($10 per vehicle). 

If you'd rather skip the traffic, one of the easiest options is to park at the DART Parker Road Station and take the free festival shuttle, which runs continuously throughout the event and drops guests near Admission Gate 4. 

Festival organizers also recommend avoiding Spring Creek Parkway due to heavy congestion and using alternate routes to Jupiter Road, where you'll be directed to the nearest available parking lot. 

Ride-share services also use the DART Parker Road Station as the designated pickup and drop-off location. 

A North Texas Tradition

Now celebrating 47 years of ballooning in Plano and Collin County, the Plano Balloon Festival has grown into one of the region's signature fall events, attracting families from across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex every September.

If you're looking for a weekend that's a little different from the usual concert or sporting event, this one belongs on your calendar.