There’s something quite magical about seeing a hot air balloon floating high above you in the sky. As summer is swiftly coming to a close, it’s time to add yet another item to your Illinois summer bucket list. This year, the city of Centralia is holding its annual Centralia Balloon Fest on Aug. 20-22, 2021, at Foundation Park. You do not want to miss this uniquely colorful event!

Located in southern Illinois, Centralia hosts an annual hot air balloon festival that draws crowds from all around the region. It's a fun-filled time that the whole family will enjoy!
Centralia Balloon Fest/Facebook
Since 1990, the Centralia Balloon Fest has been held every year for three days during the third weekend of August. With so much to see and do, you may want to attend each day of this colorful event at Foundation Park.
DBrad2014/TripAdvisor
This year, festival attendees can enjoy seeing 35 hot air balloons in all their colorful glory, along with four balloon races, two balloon glows, live music, and Friday night fireworks.
Centralia Balloon Fest/Facebook

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In addition, there will be a children's play area, plenty of fun-filled family-friendly activities, a car and motorcycle show, a craft fair with over 60 vendors, and over a dozen local food vendors.
Centralia Balloon Fest/Facebook
If you want to experience a hot air balloon ride, tethered rides will be held each day during festival hours.
One of the most popular parts of this event is the Balloon Glow, held Friday and Saturday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. This is one part of the festival you absolutely cannot miss!
Centralia Balloon Fest/Facebook
The Centralia Balloon Fest will be held on Aug. 20-22, 2021. Festival hours are 3-9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tickets are just $5 for all three days and children under age six are free.
Centralia Balloon Fest/Facebook
Don't miss this year's hot air balloon festival in Centralia. Just remember to bring your camera, because you're gonna want to take photos of all the colorful balloons at this unique event!
Centralia Balloon Fest/Facebook

Have you attended the Centralia Balloon Fest or any other hot air balloon festivals in Illinois? Please tell us about your experience in the comments. For more information on the Centralia Balloon Fest and to find out where to purchase tickets ahead of time, visit the webpage. You can also follow the event on Facebook.

For more summer fun, here are seven hidden spots in Illinois you’ll want to visit.

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