The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
This amazing display and show features over 100,000 balloons from 14 balloon artists who craft dazzling displays that are literally “full of hot air.” This years theme is “Bug Out!”
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191 Website
The Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally is BACK after being gone for a decade, dotting the sky with colors and the city with all kinds of fun activities on Saturday, August 7, 2021! Enjoy the massive balloon launch, the Night Glow, vintage airplanes, plus plenty of food, music, and more at Hartford’s Municipal Airport. Fireworks will take place at dusk, too.
Admission is free! Carry-ins are allowed, although they request no glass items. Shuttle service begins at 4pm from the Jack Russell Memorial Library parking lot and Schauer Arts Center parking lot, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.
Note that the balloon launch is weather dependent; balloons will be arriving on the tarmac around 4:30pm and launch 1.5-2 hours before sunset. Arrive early, you don’t want to miss the launch! Following the launch, there will be a ping pong drop and night glow. Fireworks to follow the night glow.
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Schedule of Events
12:00 – 7:00 – Kid’s Activities
1:00- 5:00- Washington County Sheriff Car display
2:00 – 4:00 – EMS display
2:00 – 4:30 – Safety Trailer display
3:00 – 7:00 – Dolce Duo’ & Company
5:00 – 5:30 – Hartford Energizers Dance
**4:00 – After Fireworks – Shuttle Service from Jack Russel Library Parking Lot & Schauer Center Parking Lot**
Flight Simulator – All Day (kids 12 & over)
Helicopter Rides – All Day ($50)
Hot Air Balloon Launch – 1 ½ Hours Before Sunset
Ping Pong Ball Drop – After Hot Air Balloon Launch
Hot Air Balloon Glow – 8:30 or when Balloons Return
Fireworks – After Balloon Glow
Food Trucks, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Kids Vendors & Beverages – All Day
You’ll see the balloons in the air from miles around, but to get to Hartford’s Municipal Airport, head to County U northwest of downtown via Highway 60 or Highway 83. There is also FREE shuttle service from the Schauer Arts Center, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, from 4pm until after the fireworks are done.
Hear more about the Hot Air Balloon Rally in our State Trunk Tour Podcast interview with Doreen Buntrock from the Hartford Chamber! It begins about 19 minutes in…
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Address:
Hartford Municipal Airport
4200 County Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Balloon
March 19, 2026 – March 29, 2026
The Balloon Adventure
The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
August 7, 2021
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Schedule of Events
You’ll see the balloons in the air from miles around, but to get to Hartford’s Municipal Airport, head to County U northwest of downtown via Highway 60 or Highway 83. There is also FREE shuttle service from the Schauer Arts Center, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, from 4pm until after the fireworks are done.
Hear more about the Hot Air Balloon Rally in our State Trunk Tour Podcast interview with Doreen Buntrock from the Hartford Chamber! It begins about 19 minutes in…
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Address:
Hartford Municipal Airport
4200 County Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com