Aug. 21 – 23rd | Lewiston, Maine | Simard-Payne Park, 46 Beech St

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Aug 21 – 23rd – Simard-Payne Park, Lewiston, ME

RED, WHITE & Balloons

Join us for the 2026 Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival.

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Get the most up-to-date information and updates from the Balloon Festival.

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There's something for everyone

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Balloons

From specialty-shaped to classic hot air balloons. We’ve got balloons.
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Main Stage

A festival wouldn’t be complete without a stage and plenty of entertainment.
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Food

Enjoy your festival favorites raising money for area non-profits.
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Family Fun Day

As if balloons weren’t fun enough for families. Join us for our family-focused fun day!
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Vendor Fair

Peruse our vendor fair for Maine-made crafts and artisan goods.
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Parade

A Balloon Festival classic: the parade. Stand along Main St in Lewiston or Auburn to watch the parade cross Great Falls.

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As the balloons rise, we do so together.

When you experience the L/A Balloon Festival, you and your ​family are not only in for a big treat but support great local ​non-profits dedicated to making our community even better.
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Up in the sky; down for the night

Get ready for the ultimate three-day party ​at the LA Balloon Festival. Stick around for the fun and excitement! ​We’ve got all the tips you need to make ​your visit super comfy. Join us and ​experience the magic!
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Anticipated Visitors

Food Stands

Different Balloons

Incredible Days

Festival Schedule

Dive into the exciting weekend that is the Balloon Fest

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BALLOON LAUNCHES

Balloons launch each morning and evening with passengers. Watch from Simard-Payne Park or anywhere in town. Place a white sheet on your lawn to (maybe) have a balloon land at your house!

  • Day(s)
    Friday – Sunday
  • Times
    6AM & 6PM
  • Where
    Simard Payne Park
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VENDOR FAIR

Maine-made crafts and artisan goods will be available at our Vendor Fair.

  • Day(s)
    Friday – Sunday
  • Times
    12–8PM
  • Where
    Simard Payne Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston, ME
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FOOD BOOTHS

Enjoy your favorite fair and festival foods. The best part: proceeds go to support the non-profits working the stands.

  • Day(s)
    Friday – Sunday
  • Times
    Friday: 4–10 PM
    Sat: 11AM–10PM
    Sun: 11AM–8PM
  • Where
    Simard Payne Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston, ME
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Main Stage

Jam to local bands and enjoy music on the lawn of Simard-Payne Park.

  • Day(s)
    Saturday – Sunday
  • Times
    4:30 PM to 9 PM
  • Where
    Simard Payne Park
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Frequently Asked Questions

What time does each event start?

You can view our schedule here.

Where are events located?

Most events will be held in Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston. The park is located at 46 Beech Street, Lewiston. The park is easily accessible from the Riverwalk in Auburn and the Lewiston side of the Longley Bridge.

In addition to Simard-Payne Park, quiet launch viewing sites, the parade, and Motors on Main Classic Car Show all take place on Main Street near Festival Plaza in Auburn.

Where can I park?
  • Handicap accessible parking at 2 Beech Street (no charge)
  • Farmers Market Lot at 2 Oxford Street (Note: This lot will be used by Farmer’s Market 9AM-2PM on Sun., Aug. 18)
    Operated by and donation proceeds to benefit LA Farmers Market
  • Lincoln Street Garage at 16 Lincoln Street
    Operated by and donation proceeds to benefit Edward Little High School Boys Basketball Team
  • Chestnut Street Parking Garage at 29 Chestnut Street
    Operated by and donation proceeds to benefit Lewiston High School Girls Softball Team
When do balloons get launched?

Weather permitting, balloon launches will be at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Aug. 16, 17 & 18.

We will keep our Schedule and Balloons pages up to date with launch times as we have them.

What does it cost to attend?

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is free of charge to attend thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors.

Balloon rides, booths, and vendors will have fees associated with them. Check out all of the fun on our Schedule.

How do I get a balloon to land on my lawn?

Hot Air Balloons rely on the wind to direct them. This means they can't reliably land in the same location each time. So, they look for open fields to land, with a chase team shortly behind.

If you want to welcome a balloon on your property, you can put a white sheet out to indicate your land is somewhere safe to land.

Please ensure your land is free of telephone wires or obstructions. The balloon needs a large area to land with access to a road. The chase team will need to park directly next to the balloon.

Are dogs/pets allowed?

No pets will be permitted. Only service dogs are allowed.

What should I bring to the festival?

Check out our "Know Before You Go" blog post to see what items are permitted. 

Have more questions?

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Updates & News

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