Category Archives: Balloon Glow

Balloon Glow, Blues Music, Car show, Featured, Festival Activities, Live Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

May 24, 2019 Purdy

We get asked a lot of questions regarding our Balloon & Blues Event each year and always refer people to our FAQ page. Here are the top 7, that may answer your questions:

1. 1. 1. 1. DO YOU OFFER BALLOON FLIGHTS?
        Sorry, our festival does not offer balloon rides to the public, due to the additional licensing and insurance required. We do recommend contacting a group like the WI Balloon Group at or Balloon Group of IL. These organization’s will help you find reputable and licensed balloon operators who can schedule a ride. Many will also have larger balloons that can accommodate several people, which can reduce the per person cost.
      2. IS THERE A COST TO THE EVENT?
        Admission is FREE to the Balloon and Blues Festival, but if you want to park inside the Green County Fairgrounds, the cost is $3. Our event able to run due to dedicated volunteers and gracious local business sponsors. We of course hope that you will participate by purchasing parking, food, drinks, and other items while at the event as many of the booths are run by local non-profits and small businesses.
      3. WHEN DO THE BALLOONS GO UP AND GLOW?
        Hot Air Balloon Launches are scheduled for Friday & Saturday evening at 6:00pm., as well as Saturday morning at 6:00am.
        Hot Air Balloon Glows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30pm on the Fairgrounds. (*Please note that flights may be postponed due to weather concerns. Please watch our Facebook and Twitter page for live updates.)
      4. WHAT BLUES BANDS ARE PLAYING?
        We have some of the best Blues Bands in this region, and probably the country, in our humble opinion. This year we are pleased to feature: Dave Potter Trio
        featuring Madison Slim on harmonica, Altered Five, Birddog Blues Band, Ivy Ford Band, Dave Fields, Brandon Santini . For more information and schedule please visit our Blues Page.
      5. HOW MANY BALLOONS WILL BE IN THE FESTIVAL?
        We generally have between 12-16 balloons.
      6. CAN WE BRING OUR OWN CHAIRS AND ALCOHOL?
        PLEASE, feel free to bring in chairs, blanket or other items to watch the bands, have a picnic or watch the balloon events. BUT, Carry in alcohol is prohibited on the grounds! So, please do not bring alcohol into the grounds. We will have a licensed beer tent available for those who wish to partake
      7. LEASHED DOGS ARE WELCOME
        Please remember to pick up after your dog and that they must remain under your control at all times.

Balloon Glow, Festival Activities

Balloon Glows

May 17, 2019 Purdy

Location and Days

The Fairgrounds Balloon Glows is an event that features hot-air-balloons being inflated after dark on both Friday and Saturday evening. This special activity offers viewers a spectacle of fire and color unlike anything else you’re likely to see on a warm summer evening in Southern Wisconsin (or anywhere else for that matter). Hot air balloons stand like over-grown Chinese lanterns against the night sky, providing a breathtaking new perspective on the world of ballooning.

As seen in the video from a previous year, balloons launch in the evening (weather permitting) around 6:00 pm and fly from the fairgrounds (direction based on winds) and later return to the fairgrounds to setup again for a demonstration that begins between 8/8:30. As daylight fades, between 9/9:30, the balloons perform coordinated glows.

In addition, many times the Balloon Event Coordinator, will allow people to come out to the field to get up close and personal with the balloons and teams, as well as take videos and photos.