Balloons over Mt. Vernon, Ill.: May 18–19
Introduce the kids to their newfound love of aviation from Mt. Vernon Outland Airport, where the United Way Balloon Glow begins. Watch while pilots inflate their balloons and take off or hop on for a ride. Fill up with Wilkey’s pancake breakfast after and learn all about the process of the hot air balloons and airplanes.
© Centrill | Dreamstime.com
Alabama Jubilee in Decatur, Ala.: May 26–27
Spend Memorial Day Weekend with the family in Decatur, Ala., watching hot air balloons take flight amid a host of events. The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic brings out participants and onlookers from around the area for tractor shows, arts and crafts, live music, parades, a hare and hound balloon race and, inexplicably, a figure skating exhibition — all leading up to the grand jubilee.
Balloons Over Angel Fire in Angel Fire, N.M.: June 15–17
Grab your cameras and head to the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in Northern New Mexico for the annual Balloons Over Angel Fire event. Watch as vibrant balloons take off into the sky with the stunning New Mexico landscape as the backdrop.
© Americanspirit | Dreamstime.com
Adirondack Balloon Festival in Queensbury, N.Y.: Sept 20–23
View the changing leaves and epic fall beauty of the Adirondacks in New York during the 46th annual Balloon Festival. Check out local crafts, photo competitions and community events before the balloons take flight over the sprawling Queensbury landscape.
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, N.M.: Oct. 6–14
What would a list of hot air balloon festivals be without the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, Oct. 6–14? The annual event boasts unbeatable views of the stunningly beautiful Albuquerque terrain and more special events than you’ll have time for.
Look for a fall hot-air balloon festival in your area using this list. Check out local festivals or take a family road trip to the nearest one this season.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 29, 2026This Hotel Brand Brings Gaming, eSports Right to Your Room
This year, after a successful pilot of gaming rooms and a gaming studio at nhow Berlin, nhow Hotels & Resorts takes gaming to the next level with the launch of GAME:NXT by nhow, a new gaming and esports ecosystem bringing interactive digital experiences to hotel stays. Family travelers can now enjoy hospitality blended with gaming and digital culture.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
ShareThis