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General Information

2026 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

June 26 – 28, 2026
Howell High School, 1200 W Grand River Rd., Howell, MI 48843
(517) 546-3920

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is one of the premier summertime activities in Michigan, offering entertainment for the entire family. This community event has activities planned for everyone – from carnival rides, kid attractions, and the always-popular balloon launches, fly-ins, and evening glow. There are lots of events and attractions planned this year, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Admission Fees:

  • $5.00 per person, per day.
  • Children 3 & under admitted free.
  • Weekend wristbands valid Friday, Saturday, & Sunday are available online ONLY until 6pm Saturday, June 27, 2026.
  • Parking is free, shuttles are available.
     (The carnival link is active and good for the year)
  • NO REFUNDS

Shuttle provided by LETS Transportation

Make your visit to the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest stress-free with our convenient LETS Shuttle Service! Shuttles run throughout the weekend to help you get to and from the action with ease.

Shuttle Hours:

  • Friday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
  • Saturday: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
  • Sunday: 7:30am – 8:00pm

Download the App to receive updates on shuttle hours (will extend if there is a need) 

 Pickup/Drop off locations: 

The shuttles will be making a continuous loop around the grounds, including M-59, the service drive, Grand River Ave, & Highlander Way Dr. Stay tuned for a map with “bus stops”.

Stay Updated On the Go!

Shuttle times may be subject to change due to traffic, weather, or event needs.   For the most up-to-date shuttle schedule and any route modifications, download the official Michigan Challenge Balloonfest App.

It’s your go-to guide for:

  • Real-time shuttle updates
  • Maps
  • Event schedules
  • And much more!

Don’t miss a moment – download the app today and ride with confidence!

Rules & Reminders

Mother Nature does not always provide safe weather conditions for hot air balloon operations. Our balloon operations team in conjunction with the local fire department are trained and qualified to evaluate the weather forecast and current conditions and decide if it is safe to operate the balloons. As much as we hate to disappoint the public, our priority is the safety of our guests, pilots, and crew. We will notify you via public announcement if we need to cancel the balloon portion of the event. NO REFUNDS.

For the comfort and safety of all who attend the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, please follow these basic guidelines:

Remember to bring:

    • family and friends
    • a jacket for the evening
    • a camera to take photos
    • comfortable walking shoes
    • lawn chairs, beach chairs or blankets
    • sunglasses
    • sunscreen and bug spray
    • Please leave pets and sparklers at home for safety reasons.
    • Remember, alcoholic beverages, grilling and smoking are prohibited at the site on school grounds.
    • Balloon rides are not available during the event since the pilots are competing.
  • DRONES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. 
  • Visit the information booth for pilot information and meet the pilots on the launch field at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

FAQ’s

Mother Nature does not always provide safe weather conditions for hot air balloon operations. Our balloon operations team in conjunction with the local fire department are trained and qualified to evaluate the weather forecast and current conditions and decide if it is safe to operate the balloons. As much as we hate to disappoint the public, our priority is the safety of our guests, pilots, and crew. We will notify you via public announcement if we need to cancel the balloon portion of the event. NO REFUNDS.

The launch field is roped off and located by the main stage. For morning flights, the pilots launch from areas outside of the event grounds and fly into the launch field.

Balloon rides are not offered at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest.

Portable restrooms are located in several areas throughout the event.  Most notably is near the Food Court, Open Air Market, & Carnival.  In fact, there are over 50 portable restrooms on site plus 10 hand-washing stations! 

We do not have a beer tent at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. The event is located on school grounds and alcohol is prohibited. Check out Balloons and Brews located downtown.

Food vendors are located in the Carnival, Open Air Market and in the Food Court near the Landing Zone.  The menus include festival food, ethnic food, specialty treats, and beverages. Visit the “FOOD” tab in the app for vendor information and menus.

Because the balloons only launch in the morning and evening, daytime events include entertainment, activities, and attractions for the entire family. See here

Join us for a RC (remote controlled) Hot Air Balloon demonstration on Saturday from 3pm-4pm on the launch field.  Stick around for a pilot meet and greet from 4pm-5:30pm!

There is handicapped parking located in the Yellow Lot, located at the Howell Freshman Campus, off Highlander Way Dr

Balloonfest is located on the grounds of Howell High School (1200 W. Grand River Rd., Howell, MI 48843), entrances are on M-59, Highlander Way, and West Grand River Ave.

Yes, the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is an outdoor event.

Tables and chairs are in the Highlander Food Court. Guests can bring their own chairs that can be set up around the launch field to watch the Balloon Launches.

Both the Mother’s Space & Baby Changing Station can be found next to the Family Fun Tent.