There's Nothing Better Than This Unique Balloon Festival In New York
By Lea Monroe|Published August 02, 2018
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
New York is known for having some pretty jaw-dropping balloon festivals that happen all around our state, but one thing people may not know about is that one of the country’s best balloon rallies is right here in the Southern Tier. Taking place on August 3rd, 4th, and 5th – find out why you’ll want to plan a trip to Binghamton this weekend for a delicious event that you’ll love!
Kicking off at 3 p.m. on Friday, this year marks the 34th annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally in Binghamton.
Throughout the weekend you'll find the park lined with all sorts of vendors, also featuring live music, a craft show, midway rides, and even demonstrations from the folks of New York's Corning Glass Museum.
While the star of this festival is undoubtedly the Spiedie, you'll also find other food vendors here during the weekend and even a Taste of New York tent where you can sample local alcoholic beverages.
For younger guests, you can expect to enjoy rides, games, a large Ferris wheel, and even a Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park tent where you can pet, feed, and meet animals from the zoo!
Residents and local celebrities participate in the contest each year, working to win awards and show off their skills when it comes to making the best Spiedie.
The Spiedie Contest has a total of 5 categories - beef, lamb, poultry, venison, and best presentation that participants will have a shot at winning an award for. Yum!
Throughout the entire weekend, there will be a total of four balloon launches, with a Night Glow at 9 p.m. on Friday where balloons will inflate and glow but not take off from the ground.
Visitors who come on Saturday can look up into the sky at both 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to see the day's balloon launches, with the festival opening for the day at 8 a.m.
The fourth and final balloon launch that you'll have the opportunity to see will be at 7 a.m. on Sunday - the perfect way to start the day and say farewell to this festival!
For visitors who attend the festival on Friday, walk-up admission will be free of charge. Visitors who choose to attend the festival on Saturday and Sunday will be charged $5 dollars for walk-up admission, with visitors 8-years-old and younger attending for free. To find out more about the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, click here.
