FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the New Haven Balloon Race and Glow free?
Nothing! The New Haven Balloon Race and Balloon Glow are free and open to the public. There is no admission charge for either event. Food, drinks, souvenirs, and certain special activities will be available for purchase.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes! Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. Please consider your pet's comfort and safety before bringing them to the event. Large crowds, warm temperatures, loud noises, and balloon burners can be stressful for some animals.
Can I bring a cooler to the balloon glow and race?
Yes! Coolers are welcome at the New Haven Balloon Race and Balloon Glow.
Can I bring chairs or blankets to the balloon glow and race?
Absolutely! We encourage spectators to bring lawn chairs or blankets so you can relax and enjoy the event.
Are food and drink available?
Yes! Food and drinks will be available for purchase from vendors at the event. Most vendors are cash only, so we recommend bringing cash with you.
Where will the balloons land?
Hot-air balloons follow the wind, so we won't know where the balloons will land until race day. The direction and distance of the flight depend on the wind conditions at the time of launch. Balloons may land in different areas each year—and sometimes you may even see one land on a street or in a parking lot near your home! For the best idea of where the balloons may travel, check the weather forecast and wind direction on race day.
How is the winner of the race determined?
The New Haven Balloon Race, presented by Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New Haven, is a Hare and Hound-style race.
The "Hare" balloon launches first and leads the pack. Once the Hare lands, the team places an X on the ground to serve as the target. The "Hound" balloons then launch in pursuit of the Hare. Each pilot attempts to drop a birdseed bag as close to the center of the target as possible. The pilot whose marker lands closest to the center of the X is declared the winner!
How close can I get to the balloons?
Friday night's Balloon Glow offers a special opportunity to get up close to the balloons, pilots, and crews. During a portion of the evening, the rope line is opened so attendees can walk among the balloons, take photos, and meet our pilots and crews.
Saturday is Race Day. For safety and in accordance with FAA regulations, only pilots, race crews, and event coordinators are permitted on the race field. Spectators will be able to watch the action from just behind the designated rope line—close enough to get a great view of the balloons!
Can I purchase a balloon ride?
Public balloon rides are not offered as part of the New Haven Balloon Race. However, you may contact one of our participating private pilots after the event to ask about purchasing a balloon ride at another time during the year.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is always our top priority for both our pilots and spectators.
Every effort is made to hold the event in a variety of weather conditions. However, weather—especially high winds—can affect balloon flights. High winds may delay or cancel a balloon launch. Each pilot is responsible for determining whether conditions are safe for their individual flight.
For the latest weather updates, schedule changes, and race-day announcements, follow us on Facebook.
Where should I park?
The Balloon Glow and Balloon Race are held at New Haven City Park and are walk-through events—not drive-through events.
Park Drive will be closed during both events. Spectators are encouraged to park in the following areas:
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Lion's Drive
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New Haven High School parking lot
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New Haven Municipal Swimming Pool parking lot
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Additional parking near the New Haven Youth Fair Tractor Pull pit area
Please follow event parking signs and allow extra time to walk to the park.
Are drones allowed?
No. Please do not bring or operate a drone at the Balloon Race. Due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and for the safety of our pilots and spectators, drones and other flying objects are not permitted within the airspace used by the balloons. For more information about FAA drone regulations and airspace restrictions, visit: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/airspace_restrictions/
Where can I get event updates?
For the latest information—including weather updates, schedule changes, parking information, balloon arrivals, and race-day announcements—follow the New Haven Balloon Race on Facebook.
We look forward to seeing you at the New Haven Balloon Race and Balloon Glow!