Take Flight at the 45th Annual Quechee Balloon Festival in Vermont
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June 20–22, 2025 | Quechee Green Park, Quechee, Vermont
This June, the skies above Vermont’s Upper Valley will once again burst into color as the longest-running hot air balloon festival in New England celebrates its 45th anniversary.
From June 20–22, 2025, the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft & Music Festival returns with three unforgettable days of music, art, community, and, of course, hot air balloons.
What began in 1979 as a grassroots celebration on the Quechee Green has since grown into a beloved summer tradition.
The idea took flight thanks to a chance encounter between ballooning promoter Ed Griskott and Quechee Inn owner Mike Yaroschuk. With a shared vision and entrepreneurial spirit, they launched a legacy that now draws thousands of visitors every year.
A Sky Full of Wonder
Each day begins with morning balloon launches and ends with evening flights that paint the sky in vibrant shades.
Watch from the ground as dozens of balloons take off, or book your own ride for a truly unforgettable view of the Upper Valley. For those who prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground, tethered rides offer a gentle taste of flight.
A Weekend of Art, Music, and Community
The Quechee Green transforms into a festival village all weekend long.
More than 50 artisan vendors will showcase handcrafted wares and regional specialties. Local restaurants and food trucks will offer everything from sweet treats to savory fare, and the beer garden will be open for relaxing with a cold drink in hand.
Live music fills the air with performances from some of Vermont’s most talented artists. Highlights include:
- Seth Yacovone Duo (Saturday, 1 pm) – A blues-rock act steeped in the soul of Vermont’s music scene, led by the fiery guitar work of Seth Yacovone.
- Lakou Mizik (Saturday, 6:30 pm) – A global roots powerhouse from Haiti, blending vodou rhythms, rara beats, and dance-floor energy into an unforgettable show.
- Rhyse Chalmers (Sunday, 11:30 am) — A genre-blending singer-songwriter known for heartfelt originals and dynamic stage presence.
Fun for the Whole Family
Families will find plenty to keep kids entertained, including the free Kids Zone, interactive games, and hands-on activities. Don’t miss Pups in the Air, a crowd-pleasing disc dog show that combines acrobatics, training, and pure canine enthusiasm. Other highlights you won’t want to miss:
- Live Magic Shows from world-traveling illusionist Dylan Tenney
- VINS Raptor Presentations, offering close encounters with birds of prey
- Line Dancing with Copperhead Dancers, led by internationally known choreographer Conrad Farnham
A Celebration Rooted in Community
More than just a festival, the Quechee Balloon Festival is a celebration of local pride, creativity, and resilience.
From its humble beginnings, when just six balloons graced the sky, to today’s large-scale event, the heart of the festival remains the same: bringing people together.
For more information about scheduling and tickets, visit the Quechee Balloon Festival.
This is one of the most celebrated events in Vermont!
100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont
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