There’s something magical about fall in the Adirondacks. The air turns crisp, the mountains begin to glow with shades of red, orange and gold, and one of the region’s most spectacular traditions fills the sky with color.
This September, make plans to experience the Adirondack Balloon Festival and turn the event into a memorable fall getaway at Lake George RV Park.
Experience the Adirondack Balloon Festival
The 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place September 17–20 throughout the Glens Falls and Queensbury area. Now in its 53rd year, the festival brings dozens of hot air balloons together for an unforgettable celebration of flight, family and fall in the Adirondacks.
From colorful traditional balloons to special-shaped balloons, watching them rise above the Adirondack landscape is a sight you won’t want to miss.
The festival features several opportunities to see the balloons take flight, along with live entertainment, food vendors, craft vendors and family activities. One of the most anticipated events is the evening Moonglow, when illuminated balloons create an incredible nighttime spectacle.
And the best part? Festival admission is free.
A Weekend Full of Balloon-Filled Fun
The festival kicks off Thursday, September 17, at Crandall Park in Glens Falls with opening ceremonies, music, food, family activities, a balloon flight and an evening Moonglow.
On Friday, the festival moves to Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, where visitors can enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with balloons, entertainment, food and a craft fair.
Saturday brings some of the biggest opportunities to see the balloons, including an early-morning launch, an afternoon flight and the spectacular evening Moonglow. Sunday morning wraps up the festival with the traditional Walter and Joan’s Mass Ascension, featuring up to 80 balloons.
Because hot air balloons depend on safe weather conditions, flight times are subject to change. If you’re planning your weekend around a launch, be sure to check the official festival schedule for the latest updates.
Make Lake George RV Park Your Fall Home Base
Why rush through the region in a single day when you can make a whole weekend out of it?
Stay at Lake George RV Park and enjoy the best of both worlds—a peaceful Adirondack camping experience combined with resort-style amenities and easy access to the many attractions and events throughout the Lake George region.
Our 120+ acre resort offers spacious RV campsites as well as cabin and park model accommodations, making it easy to create the kind of fall getaway that works for your family.
After a morning watching balloons rise over the Adirondacks, come back to the park, relax around your campfire and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, take a ride on the trolley, hit the trails or simply enjoy some downtime at your campsite.
There’s plenty to do right here at the resort, too, with our indoor pool, recreation areas, paved biking and hiking trails, fishing, sports and more. And for those traveling with four-legged family members, Lake George RV Park is a pet-friendly destination featuring Charlie’s Bark Park, a two-acre off-leash recreation area.
Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit
The Balloon Festival is just one of the many reasons to visit the Lake George region in September. Fall brings a different pace to the Adirondacks—cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery and a calendar filled with events and outdoor adventures.
Spend your weekend enjoying the festival, exploring Lake George Village, taking a scenic drive through the mountains, hiking or biking the area’s trails, or simply sitting around the campfire and enjoying the changing season.
And don’t forget your camera. Between the colorful balloons overhead and the first hints of fall foliage throughout the Adirondacks, there will be plenty to capture.
Plan Your Balloon Festival Getaway
Whether you’re a longtime balloon festival fan or have never experienced the sight of dozens of colorful balloons filling the Adirondack sky, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is the perfect excuse for a fall camping getaway.
Come for the balloons. Stay for the Adirondacks. Make Lake George RV Park your home base and turn one great event into an entire weekend of fall memories.
The 2026 Adirondack Balloon Festival is September 17–20. Start planning your fall escape and experience one of the Adirondacks’ most spectacular traditions!