Four days of lift

The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival runs Thursday, September 17 through Sunday, September 20 at Oak Point Park / Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway.

47 years in Collin County

Organizers say 2026 marks 47 years of ballooning in Plano. Food vendors, handmade merchandise, kids' activities and live performances fill out the grounds.

Glows at 7:30, lasers at 8:45

Balloon glows light up Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., each followed by an 8:45 p.m. laser show from Boom Special Effects.

Music and parachutes

A parachute team exhibition goes up at 6 p.m. all three evenings. The Plano Symphony Orchestra Big Band opens Thursday, Midtown 10 plays Friday, Ice House Band closes Saturday.

Set an alarm for liftoff

Launches are 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with gates opening an hour earlier. Hours run 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 11 a.m. Sunday.

“the most useful accessory may be an alarm clock”

Tethered rides, cash only

Riders float 20 to 30 feet up for a few minutes while the balloon stays secured. It's $30 for adults, $20 for kids 6 to 12, sold onsite for cash, first come first served.

Tickets and who gets in free

Onsite admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 3 to 12 and seniors 65-plus. Online runs $11.60 and $6.50 with fees. Military with valid ID get in free, and there are no refunds, even for weather.

Parking, or take the bus

Prime lots cost $15 per vehicle, or $10 at the Plano Event Center. A free festival bus runs from DART's Parker Road Station. Weather can shift the whole balloon schedule, so check before you drive out.