Soar Over CNY in a Hot Air Balloon

Have you ever wanted to soar over Central New York? This weekend could be your chance to do just that.

I grew up in the small town of Snohomish, Washington, where more days than not in the summer, we’d see rainbow hot air balloons floating across the valley. Believe it or not, my first job at 16 was at a hot air balloon company! Now that I’m in New York, the Jamesville Balloon Festival is kicking off the excitement for its 40th year today, and it’s going to be a sight to see.

They have something for every member of the family to enjoy, from balloon launches to amusement park rides to fireworks and live music. The best part? Admission is free all three days.

This year’s headliners are Prime Time, Adam Hambrick and Infinity. Adam Hambrick is a country artist and one of the writers behind some of our favorite country hits like Dan + Shay’s “How Not To” and Justin Moore’s “Somebody Else Will.”

Balloons will launch weather-permitting, so hope for sun and NO WIND. There are even sessions in the pilot’s tent, so you can ask all the questions you’ve been dying to ask about flying a hot air balloon.

All the details about pricing and schedules for each day are listed on the event's website.