Usually held at the end of July, the festival’s 41st anniversary is postponed until 2025.
When it comes to spicy - strain balloon rides , everyone knows about the usual hotspots like Cappadocia and Albuquerque . But what if we tell you there ’s an underrated hub on the East Coast of the US — in Central New Jersey .
For the past 40 age , the townspeople of Readington has host the big summertime hot - air balloon fete in North America . pull together an avid rooter base for its telling and eclectic appeal of hot - air balloons from around the globe , some of last twelvemonth ’s most - posted - about show-stopper admit a 62 - foot - marvelous Yoda ; a 70 - foot - tall replica of the first hot - gentle wind balloon flight with a sheep , duck’s egg , and rooster as its first passengers ; and a 65 - foot - tall , 750 - quid bright pink Lucky Pig from the New Jersey Lottery . There ’s plenty of vibrant monotone and patterned designs that sate up the apparent horizon as well .
From 6:30 am to 6:30 pm , guests can have a bun in the oven to see 100 spicy - air balloon ascending into the sky .
The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning|Steve Edreff/Shutterstock
In addition to balloon , this annual event is also amusic festival with 2023 star like KC and the Sunshine Band and Fitz and the Tantrums . There ’s also unremarkably a level with tribute band for the Grateful Dead , Stevie Nicks , and an all - distaff Led Zeppelin radical .
woefully , this twelvemonth , theNew Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooningwill be select a one - twelvemonth hiatus due to the ascent in operational cost . The festival states design to return to the area for summer 2025 .
If the postponement allow more time for planning next year ’s trip , then here ’s everything you demand to know to check that you ’re in New Jersey next summertime for the 2025 Festival of Ballooning .
Nighttime at The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning|Photo courtesy of The New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
Whereis the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning held?
The hot - air balloon festival is take at the Solberg Airport ( 39 Thor Solberg Road ) in Readington , NJ .
How do I get to theNew Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning?
The best way to get to the fete is by car . It ’s 1 hour by car from NYC via I-78 W , 1 hour 10 minutes from Philadelphia via I-95 N , and 4 hour 30 minutes from Boston via CT-15 S.
How much is theNew Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning?
For adults , tickets are from $ 32 . For children 4 - 12 , tickets are from $ 12 . For child 3 and under , tickets are costless .
Where to eat neartheNew Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning?
There are no restaurants within stuffy proximity of Solberg Airport . Your undecomposed bet is a 20 - minute drive on US Highway 22 for eating house likeStoney Brook Grille , assist New American transportation , orUncle Vinnie ’s Clam Bar , for seafood and Italian dish aerial . South of Solberg Airport on Route 202 isSpain 92 , for Spanish fare , and slightly further out isSilli Point Indian Restaurant .
What are some things to do in Readington Township, New Jersey?
The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning is the independent summer magnet in Readington , so any other meaningful activity is a 30 - minute driving away .
If you ’re into diachronic inside information and singular find , head toRed Mill Museum Villagein Clinton on ten acres of land with a grist mill , log cabins , smithy , and other historic construction . The museum is celebrating its 60th day of remembrance with fun novel display .
If touching grass and returning to nature after a solar day of head - bangers and ballooning is necessary , Duke Farmsis a serene choice . It ’s an historical demesne with outdoor activities , workshop , and natural habitats . Also , it ’s women - owned , ADA compliant , LGBTQ+ well-disposed , and has public bathrooms and breeze table — what ’s not to love ?
Duke Farms|Photo courtesy of Duke Farms
Here , you ’ll chance theOrchid Range , a tropical nursery of plant native to the United States;Great Falls , tiered , cascade waterfall down the side of the Duke Reservoir ( the fall are human being - made so they ’re timed in the summer and deform off in the wintertime ) ; an outdoor marble carving gallery ; and over a thousand acres of country to explore and absorb the farm ’s natural home ground , native flora and beast , and sustainability travail . essay afun summer eventorrent a biketo explore the area .
Where can I stay in and around Readington, New Jersey?
In addition to chain hotels likeTowne Place Suites by Marriott BridgewaterandHomewood Suites by Hilton Bridgewater , nearby Airbnbs admit a luxurious14 - acre farmhousein East Amwell,2 - bedroom apartmentin the heart of downtown Somerville , or beautifulrenovated carriage housein Flemington .
