Plano, Texas will once again host one of its most beloved traditions as the 2025 Plano Balloon Festival lights up the skies and welcomes thousands of visitors. This year’s event, held at Oak Point Park from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 21, is expected to attract more than 100,000 attendees, making it one of the most significant family festivals in North Texas. With a legacy spanning 46 years, the festival has become a cultural landmark where families return year after year to relive the joy they once experienced as children.
The highlight of the event remains the hot air balloons that fill the Plano skies. Launches are scheduled at 7 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, while special balloon glows are planned for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. These evening illuminations are a spectacular sight, transforming the field into a glowing sea of color. For those who want even more, the parachute team will be performing at 6 p.m. ahead of the glows, followed by dazzling fireworks displays at 9 p.m., giving families a full evening of entertainment.
The festival is not only about balloons. Attendees will enjoy live music performances that create an energetic atmosphere, alongside a classic car show for automobile enthusiasts and a dedicated Kid’s Fun Zone. Children can take advantage of unlimited ride wristbands or buy individual tickets for games and attractions, while vendors offer face painting and other activities. Food stalls and trucks provide a variety of meals and snacks, ensuring that the event is both festive and satisfying for all ages.
Oak Point Park, located at 2801 East Spring Creek Parkway, will be buzzing throughout the festival days. Parking is organized across several nearby locations, including Collin College Spring Creek Campus, Oak Point Recreation Center, First United Methodist Church, and Community Unitarian Universalist Church. Parking costs $15, and only credit, debit, or Apple Pay will be accepted. For those looking to save, discounted off-site parking will be available at the Plano Events Center, or visitors can use the DART Parker Road Station with free shuttle service to the venue.
Ticket prices are designed to keep the event accessible to the community. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, while babies under 36 inches are admitted free of charge. Military members with ID also enjoy free entry. For kids eager to explore every attraction, an unlimited ride wristband costs $20, while individual ride tickets are $2.50 each. Organizers emphasize that no cash will be accepted at the ticket booth, parking areas, or rides, so visitors must bring cards or digital payment options.
Weather is always a concern when it comes to balloon launches, and the forecast this year suggests a mix of sunshine, heat, and possible scattered storms. A storm or two may pass through North Texas on Friday afternoon, though otherwise the skies will remain mostly clear with only light winds. Saturday looks dry with temperatures in the low 90s and winds of about 15 mph. Sunday carries a slightly higher chance of rain, around 20 percent, with stronger winds expected up to 22 mph and noticeable humidity. As always, balloon pilots will prioritize safety, and launches will only take place if conditions allow.
What makes the Plano Balloon Festival unique is its balance of tradition and new experiences. Families who once came as children now bring their own kids, making it a generational event that represents continuity and community spirit. The combination of colorful balloons, evening glows, fireworks, music, cars, and children’s activities ensures that every visitor finds something memorable. The event remains one of the few regional festivals that seamlessly combines adventure, relaxation, and culture in one space.
The 2025 Plano Balloon Festival is more than just a weekend event; it is a living tradition that unites the Plano community with visitors from across Texas and beyond. Its family friendly environment, diverse entertainment, and the sheer magic of hot air balloons floating over the city sky create an atmosphere of celebration and joy. For those who have never experienced it, this year provides the perfect opportunity to discover why the Plano Balloon Festival has remained a cherished highlight for nearly half a century.
