The Pittsfield Rotary Hot Air Balloon Festival (Pittsfield Balloon Rally) is a large and well known event in New Hampshire that takes place at Drake Field in Pittsfield. The Hot Air Balloon Festival has also been known as “The Balloon Rally.” Which usually takes place the first weekend of August every year. The Balloon Festival brings visitors from all over the New England area into the small town of Pittsfield, NH. and is a great event for the entire family. The Balloon Festival includes rides, food, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides around the Pittsfield area and of course the launching of the hot air balloons which occurs Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning most years (weather permitting). Wind plays a major factor in deciding if the hot air balloons will be allowed to launch. Even the smallest amount of wind can ground all of the hot air balloons. Whether to launch the Hot Air Balloons or not is sometimes decided minutes before the scheduled launch of the balloons.
During perfect weather, the hot air balloons are able to “dip” into the Suncook river as shown in the photos of the Pittsfield balloon rally. The morning launch is by far the most exciting for many early risers and provides the best chances for launching the hot air balloons as the wind is calm. It also provides a great opportunity to take beautiful photos of the hot air balloons. The photo on the top of every page of our website was taken at the Pittsfield Balloon Festival.
Friday August 2, 2019 – Sunday August 4, 2019
Hot Air Balloon Schedule (Weather Permitting):
Friday 5:30pm: Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday 5:30am: Dawn Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday 5:30pm: Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday 8:30pm: Super NightGlow (Hot Air Balloons Light Up On Ground, No Launch)
Sunday 5:30am: Hot Air Balloon Final Liftoff
FOOD VENDOR’s including Rotary Breakfasts
ENTERTAINMENT -Friday/Saturday afternoon/evening
FULL CARNIVAL – Friday 3pm/Saturday starting at 11am
CRAFT FAIR – Saturday
HELICOPTER RIDES – Friday/Saturday (weather permitting)
SUPER NIGHTGLOW – Saturday 8:30pm (weather permitting)
FIREWORKS – Saturday at 9:30pm
Complete Schedule for the 2019 Pittsfield Balloon Festival
All events take place at Drake Field in Pittsfield
Friday August 2, 2019
(all weather permitting)
3:00 p.m. Midway Carnival Rides Begin
5:00 p.m. Helicopter Rides Begin
5:30 p.m. BALLOONS LIFTOFF! (Weather Permitting)
5:00-6:00 p.m. TBA
6:00-10:00 p.m. TBA
Saturday August 3, 2019
(all weather permitting)
5:30
a.m. BALLOONS LIFTOFF! (Weather Permitting)
5:30 a.m. Pancake
Breakfast
10:00 – 8:00 p.m Craft Fair
11:00
a.m. Midway Carnival Rides Begin
2:00 p.m. Helicopter Rides Begin
3:00pm
TBA
5:30 p.m. BALLOONS LIFTOFF! (Weather Permitting)
4:00-7:00 p.m.
TBA
8:30 p.m SUPER NIGHTGLOW & Special Events
9:30 p.m. Fireworks
Sunday August 4, 2016
(all weather permitting)
5:30 a.m. BALLOONS LIFTOFF! FINAL LAUNCH (Weather Permitting)
5:45 a.m. Scrambled Eggs & Bacon Breakfast at Rotary Tent
8:00 a.m. Awards (Balloonists & Sponsors)
9:00 a.m. TBA
TBA Valley Rally Raffle Drawing
LOCATION:
Drake Field Pittsfield New Hampshire
GPS Location: N43° 18.430′ – W071° 19.403′
(Drake Field Boat Ramp) FEES: Entrance: FREE ($5.00 suggested donation)
Parking: FREE Shuttles between parking lots and field: $1/Person (Each Ride) Food, Beverages, Carnival Amusements, Helicopter Rides, & Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides all have separate charges.
FOR SAFETY:
Smoking is NOT Permitted. Drones, Bicycles, Skateboard and Dogs are NOT Allowed in the Park.