Come to see the splendor of hundreds of vibrant balloons filling the horizon at the Natchez Balloon Festival this year and make some memorable experiences with your loved ones.
Have you ever attended a Balloon Festival? If you haven’t, you’ve been missing one of the best experiences of the fall season. So grab your friends and head to the Natchez’s Balloon Festival to not miss out on the fun.
1. What Is The Natchez Balloon Festival?
The Natchez Balloon Festival, also known as the Great Mississippi River Balloon Festival is a truly spectacular balloon event. Each year, the fest draws thousands of visitors from all over the globe to see the stunning display of hundreds of hot air balloons in different shapes.
2. When And Where Does The Balloon Festival Take Place?
The Natchez’s Balloon Festival usually takes place every October in the Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens in downtown Natchez, which is just 2 hours away from Jackson, Mississippi. This place is also the base ground of numerous events that you don’t want to miss.
This year’s celebration will be held on three days, from October 15 to October 17. You can go to the fest either by car or public transport. We highly recommend you to drive on your own. By that, you’ll be able to experience all the beautiful Mississippi landscapes along the trip and enjoy the nice cool breezes of fall.
3. Things To Do At The Natchez Balloon Festival?
During three days of the fest, you’ll never get bored with plenty of entertainment. This Mississippi tradition includes numerous events and activities for the entire family. Come to witness gorgeous balloons filling in the sky, fireworks shows, live music, carnival rides and much more.
Live Music And Good Foods
There are several vendors located throughout the festival ground so you can grab your favorite snacks during the fest. The stages offer some of the performances of local bands while you enjoy your food.
Carnival Games And Rides
The Natchez Balloon Festival is not only for adults. Located next to the Rosalie festival site are some kid-friendly entertainment like games and rides. Although they vary each year, you certainly can count on them. Tickets to this entertainment are sold online only, so purchase your tickets as soon as possible before it’s sold out.
Arts And Crafts Fair
Arts and crafts vendors are essential for any festival, and the Natchez Balloon Festival is not an exception. The Arts and Crafts Fair features a variety of handmade arts and crafts selections from both local and traveling artists. The fair is usually held inside the festival gates, on S. Broadway St.
Ed Godfrey Sports Tent
For sports lovers, the fest provides the Ed Godfrey Sports Tent equipped with four HD TVs. So no need to worry if you’re leaving your house during the football season. You won’t miss a single play while enjoying the festival.
4. How To Purchase Tickets For The Fest?
You can purchase tickets for the Balloon Festival either online or in-person at the gate during the entire weekend. Because the fest is a popular event in town, you should buy them in advance.
5. Where To Park At The Natchez Balloon Festival?
Parking is available from D. A. Biglane Drive adjacent to the festival site. There are also some free parking lots at the Visitor Center, but you’ll have to take shuttles to the festival site.
Since the Natchez Balloon Festival is held in downtown Natchez, parking is also available on the streets.
6. What To Wear To The Natchez Balloon Fest?
Before choosing your festival outfit, remember to check the weather forecast on the day. The typical weather during the fall season of Natchez usually ranges from 50-80 degrees, which is unpredictable sometimes.
Extra jackets are certainly necessary. It will keep you warm if the temperature drops after sunset. T-shirts and shorts are also useful, especially during midday, when the sun is at its peak.
One of the best outfits for a fall festival is a simple T-shirt, tucked in a pair of comfortable jeans. Add a bomber jacket or leather jacket and you’re ready to go. This ensemble is absolutely comfy enough to take part in activities during the fest.
Another one is a midi dress covered with a denim jacket. For young ladies, this ensemble will make you look more delicate and sweet, not to mention that it goes really well with the theme color of fall.
Last but not least, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. During the fest, you will have to walk for a couple of hours, so wearing these kinds of shoes won’t hurt your foot. Our recommendation is a pair of sneakers, leather boots and flats. These are the best for festivals.
And be sure to put on sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sunlight. Add a little extra with accessories like a necklace, earrings, bracelets or headbands.
Here are all the things you need to know about the Natchez Balloon Festival. What can be better than enjoying the nice weather with breathtaking views, drowning in endless fun while satisfying your craving with a variety of food and beverages. So make a plan for your visit now to have the best Balloon Festival experience.
You may also like: Get To Know More About The Iconic Madison County Covered Bridge Festival 2021
