A Hot Air Balloon Festival Is Coming To Tennessee And It’s Pure Magic
By Chris Dodge|Updated on September 08, 2023(Originally published September 13, 2022)
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Being whisked away in a hot air balloon can be a magical experience. High above the ground floating onward and looking at the beautiful scenery all around you is always special. Then sometimes you just need to get a whole lot of them together at once and have a festival dedicated to the experience. This hot air balloon festival in Dandridge, Tennessee, is coming up and you won’t want to miss it. So get ready to mark your calendars for this awesome hot air balloon festival in Tennessee in 2023!
Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest is coming back for yet another year!
The date is set and the event will be launching the hot air balloon fun on October 28-29, 2023. This event is put on by the great people from Jefferson County Festival Charities which is an organization dedicated to bringing together people far and wide to enjoy the beauty of Jefferson County. There is something whimsical about hot air balloons so just seeing these beautiful and colorful vessels floating in the sky is an exciting way to spend the day.
To incite awe and wonder, there will be several balloons on the ground and in the air at this event. No matter what activity you are engaged in during the event there will be massive hot air balloons lining the skyline. These wonderful pieces of floating art are not just made to look at though. You can buy tickets to get your own ride.
The first option is to take a tethered balloon ride. That means you will be anchored to the ground with a large rope. The ride will take you up to around 30 feet and will last about five minutes. If you buy a ticket in advance you can ditch the rope and take it to the skies. This ride will last around one hour and you can soar up to 3,000 feet in the air. There are also other VIP experiences where you can indulge in a catered breakfast while watching the balloons take flight for the day and even get a chance to talk with the piolets.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a perfect backdrop to this event. If you are on the ground or in the air you can enjoy amazing views of the mountain range.
These mighty mountains might be far away but they tower high in the horizon. Also close by are the many lakes that wrap in and out of the Jefferson County area, so this is a stunning backdrop for some hot air balloon action.
A variety of vendors will be present during the balloon festival. Home-made crafts will be available as well as food trucks and other fun booths.
A wide variety of tasty food will be ready and on site and this is the perfect place for a picnic. Bring some chairs or a blanket and find a spot to enjoy a meal with your family.
The Kid’s Fair will be a great place to bring your little ones to bounce in the inflatables or climb the obstacle course. Your little ones are sure to light up with joy at the hot air balloons but there is so much more to dive into and have a great time at this event with your family.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the two-day event with many different acts ranging from classic Tennessee bluegrass to funky rhythm and roots music. When the sun goes down guests will be treated to a spectacular display called The Nightly Balloon Glow. The hot air balloons light up throughout the night sky and it is a show you will not want to miss.
With all of this and more, the Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest is coming back. With balloon rides, vendors, great food, and live music this is one event you will never forget. Tickets are on sale now for this hot air balloon festival in Dandridge, Tennessee, so grab yours today. For any more information please visit the Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest website. Who is gonna go to this hot air balloon festival in Tennessee in 2023? Let us know if you have gone the last few years this event has been running.
