# Plano Balloon Festival: What To Know Before You Go

> Four days of balloons, laser shows and 7 a.m. launches in Plano, plus what tickets and parking actually cost.
- Title: Plano Balloon Festival: What To Know Before You Go | Shortify
- Summary: Four days of balloons, laser shows and 7 a.m. launches in Plano, plus what tickets and parking actually cost. Balloons only fly during scheduled windows, so…
- Keywords: plano, festivals, hot air balloons, north texas, events, news, politics, Balloon, Festival, Know, Dallas Express
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/metroplex/plano-balloon-festival-tickets-parking-and-when-the-balloons-fly
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-15T11:00:51+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: plano, festivals, hot air balloons, north texas, events, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Balloons only fly during scheduled windows, so pick an evening glow or a 7 a.m. launch and check the schedule before you leave home.