Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival This Weekend

The 29th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival will be held drive-in style on September 25, 26, & 27, 2020 at Tymor Park in Union Vale, New York. This event has been re-formatted with health and safety top of mind.

Originally scheduled for July at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY, the event has been moved to the weekend of September 25, 26 & 27, 2020 at Tymor Park, Union Vale, NY to accommodate a drive-in style format. What does that mean? Watch the hot-air balloons from the comfort of your own vehicle. Bring food, beverages, blankets and chairs and stay socially distanced in your own space.

Watch in awe as hot-air balloons fill the skies and as they light the night with an illumination moon glow, all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Reservations can be made on a per vehicle basis for a donation of $10. A reservation must be made in advance as donations will not be accepted at the gate. Donation is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please note, due to New York State on PAUSE order restrictions we have re-imagined the 2020 event to provide a safe environment for all who attend. As a result, restroom facilities are not available on premise, so plan accordingly. There will not be any family activities, no live music, no yard games, and no food or beverage vendors on-site. Balloon rides are not available to the public.

Face coverings are required when social distancing cannot be observed, and failure to follow this state regulation will result in your removal from the grounds.

As always, balloon inflations are at the sole discretion of the pilot, and is dependent on ideal wind and weather conditions. Hot-air balloons may not inflate or fly.

Individuals are welcome to bring blankets and chairs to set up outside their car in a socially distanced manner, and masks are required when social distancing cannot be observed.

The reservation is only good for one vehicle on the date and time selected. No refunds. No Exceptions. Due to wind and weather conditions, hot-air balloons may not inflate or fly. Your donation will be applied towards maintaining the integrity and future of the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival - as part of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce - a not-for-profit community organization. To find out more about the Chamber please visit www.dcrcoc.org.

YOUR DONATION FOR A RESERVATION TO PARK ONE VEHICLE MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCED. YOUR DONATION IS TO PARK ONE VEHICLE AT A DRIVE-IN STYLE HOT-AIR BALLOON LAUNCH AT TYMOR PARK FOR ONE OF THE FOUR LAUNCHES ON ONE OF THE THREE DAYS OF THE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 25, 26 or 27.

DUE TO PARKING LIMITATIONS YOU MUST CHOOSE YOUR LAUNCH RESERVATION IN ADVANCE.

Donation for parking can be used on (Parking valid only for date of purchase):

Friday, September 25

3:00PM - Gates Open

4:30PM - Scheduled Hot-Air Balloon Launch

7:00PM - Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow

8:00PM - Gates Close


Saturday, September 26

5:00AM - Gates Open

6:30AM - Scheduled Hot-Air Balloon Launch

8:00AM - Gates Close


Saturday, September 26

3:00PM - Gates Open

4:30PM - Scheduled Hot-Air Balloon Launch

7:00PM - Hot-Air Balloon Illumination Moon Glow

8:00PM - Gates Close


Sunday, September 27

5:00AM - Gates Open

6:30AM - Scheduled Hot-Air Balloon Launch

8:00AM - Gates Close

Reservations must be made online, in advanced, in the form of a donation of $10.00 per vehicle, plus tax and convenience fees.
Parking is very limited and only a limited number of parking spaces will be reserved.
Parking is not available day of without a reservation.
All patrons must stay at their vehicles. This will be strictly enforced.
Chairs, picnic blankets and outside food are welcome.
All garbage is carry-in and carry-out.
Bathroom facilities will NOT be provided onsite due to COVID regulations. Please plan accordingly.
Face coverings must be worn at all times when 6’ social distancing cannot be observed. Guests not following this policy will be asked to leave.
No returns, exchanges, or refunds. No exceptions.
RV’s, vehicles with trailers and buses will not be accommodated.
Not tents allowed.
No overnight parking.
No dogs or pets allowed.
No alcohol.
No guests will be admitted without a vehicle. No drop-offs allowed.
No drones allowed.
All bags and vehicles are subject to search.
Any vehicle larger than a 7 passenger SUV must purchase two vehicle passes.



Dress appropriately including sturdy, closed-toe footwear and clothes you won’t mind getting dirty as parking is in a field. Face coverings are mandatory when 6’ social distancing cannot be observed. The donation ticket voucher allows for one vehicle to enter the parking area of Tymor Park and is not refundable under any circumstances as the proceeds from your donation will be applied toward the continuation of the festival next year. The use of bug and tick repellent and sunscreen is STRONGLY recommended. Please feel free to bring food or beverages. Picnic blankets and chairs are welcome, but please be courteous to other guests, observe 6’ social distancing and face coverings when social distancing cannot be observed.

There is not special parking for handicapped placard vehicles as parking is first-come first-serve in a field and individuals will not leave their vehicles.

ALL BALLOONS TAKE-OFF AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE PILOT. All Hot-Air Balloon launches are wind and weather permitting. Sometimes, due to impending weather, wind, or other conditions, balloons will launch early, late or not at all. Please plan to arrive roughly 30 minutes prior to the scheduled launch time to ensure you see the balloon inflate and rise. Up-to-the-minute information about launch times and delays, will be available via the Chamber’s Facebook and Twitter postings throughout the festival. All balloon activities are weather-and wind-permitting at the discretion of the pilot. If wind and weather conditions are not ideal and safe for ballooning the pilot(s) will not inflate or fly.

By making a donation you agree to all of the above terms and conditions and understand refunds and exchanges will not be issued under any circumstances.

Visit the Facebook page for more details and important information on attending the festival.

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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