Billowing balloons will be soaring high above the Garden State this weekend at the 33rd Annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, held July 24–26 at Solberg Airport in Readington, N.J. The international event is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, and a sight to see as the beautiful balloons take flight above New Jersey’s Atlantic coastline.
The event attracts pilots from 25 states and four countries, as well as 165,000 attendees. Activities include watching daily ascensions, listening to live music and taking hot air balloon rides. The headliner band this year is Kansas. On Saturday night, all the balloons will be lit to glow throughout the night sky — a magical vision not to be missed.
© Gary718 | Dreamstime
Modern-day balloons consist of a rip-stop nylon envelope, a wicker basket, a propane burner and flight instruments. Heated air inside the envelope creates a lighter, less dense air mass, allowing the balloons to take flight. The technology is not much different than that developed by France’s Montgolfier brothers more than 200 years ago. Wind dictates the direction and speed of flight of hot air balloons and pilots can alter the direction by changing altitudes and finding favorable winds.
Balloon companies operate throughout New Jersey with a variety of available flight options.
Read This Next
Top 5: Diners in New Jersey
North America
Sep 24, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 9, 2026Attend Second Annual Boston Frostival This Winter
If you missed last year’s inaugural Boston Frostival, good news — the event is back for its second year, with festivities kicking off next month. Once again, the multi-month celebration of all things winter brings tons of fun, with highlights including Saturday drone shows through December (at 6 and 8 p.m.); the Frostival Lodge open on Copley Square throughout January and February (hosted by Wayfair and offering sports broadcasts, culinary demonstrations and full bar services); and the Frostival Ferris Wheel running February–April.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 6, 2026You Can Now Use Lyft in Europe
If you’re an adamant Lyft user and live in North America, then you may’ve been frustrated trying to use your typical Lyft app while traveling in Europe. However, that will no longer be the case during future trips.
Hotel
Nov 6, 2026Mandarin Oriental Welcomes New Guest Experiences
Rather than focusing on just food and beverage offerings at its on-site restaurant and bars, Mandarin Oriental introduces a new approach to guest dining experiences around the globe.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 6, 2026The Ruxton Restaurant Coming to The Rittenhouse Hotel in Spring 2027
A new and dynamic culinary experience arrives at The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia next spring. The Ruxton steakhouse will debut after a multimillion-dollar renovation at the hotel, marking the second concept from Atlas Restaurant Group in the city and the third location of The Ruxton.
ShareThis