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Up, up and away: Carolina BalloonFest set to take flight

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Following a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the 47th Carolina BalloonFest is set to take flight Oct. 14-16 in Statesville.

In addition to the dozens of hot air balloons that will decorate the skies of Iredell County throughout the weekend, there will be live music, a wine and craft beer garden featuring North Carolina brewers and vintners, and family-friendly activities.

The popular evening balloon glow flights will also return to light up the night Friday and Saturday.

Tethered balloon rides will also be available, weather permitting.

The festival is held near the Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive.

Festival hours are from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Admission costs $15 on Friday and $20 on Sunday. Admission on Saturday costs $20 in advance or $25 at the event. A weekend pass costs $40 in advance or $45 at the event and can be used for all three days.

Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free.

Festival admission tickets do not include hot air balloon rides. Balloon rides must be purchased directly from a participating ride pilot. Find more information on balloon rides here.

Free offsite parking is located at the Iredell County Fairgrounds on all three days of the festival.

Parking passes are available for onsite parking options and must be purchased in advance.

For more information on parking, click here.

For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets, go to carolinaballoonfest.com.

(Watch below: Carowinds launches new aviation-themed area in 2023)