Kismet in Carlton Hot Air Balloon Festival
Enjoy free bounce houses, delicious food trucks, face painting, and more magical fun for the whole family.
Ready for an event you won’t forget?
Join us for the Kismet in Carlton Hot Air Balloon Festival on September 13th and 14th from 4-10 PM! Watch as six vibrant hot air balloons, including tethered rides, fill the sky with color and wonder. Enjoy free bounce houses, delicious food trucks, face painting, and more magical fun for the whole family.
Don’t forget to visit Sweetly Kismet, northern Minnesota’s largest candy store, open with extended hours during the festival. Experience a world of sweets, treats, and unforgettable memories at this whimsical event. Get ready for a night of glowing balloons and joyful moments!
Activities & Attractions
PILOT MEET AND GREETS
HOT AIR BALLOON DISPLAYS
NIGHT GLOW
INCREDIBLE ASSORTMENT OF CANDY
BALLOON ARTIST
FACE PAINTING
COTTON CANDY SPINNING
VENTRILIQUIST
TETHERED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Chainsaw carver
Food Trucks
Bounce Houses
Hot air ballon rides
admission & Ride Pricing
general admission
$20 adults
$10 kids (3 & older)
$10 seniors (65 & older)
Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
$20 all ages
Bounce House
Free
Frequently asked questions
No, there will not be any full flights during the festival. However, we will have six hot air balloons on display, with two offering tethered rides for a unique, elevated experience.
Hot air balloon rides typically begin around 5 PM. We encourage you to arrive early to enjoy the mesmerizing inflation process, which is a crowd favorite!
Parking is extremely limited, so we highly encourage ride-sharing to make your visit easier. If possible, consider attending on Friday evening when the crowd is expected to be smaller, ensuring quicker access to parking and rides.
All festival activities, including the hot air balloon rides, are weather-dependent. We will do our best to keep everyone informed of any changes due to weather conditions.
Most activities will be available continuously from 4-10 PM. You can view our schedule of events here, and you’ll be able to enjoy most events—from bounce houses to face painting—at any time during the festival.
Discover Sweetly Kismet’s Candy Wonderland
Explore northern Minnesota’s largest candy store during the festival! With extended hours, indulge in a delightful world of unique candies and nostalgic favorites.
