Up, Up, and Away: The Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally Returns to Pittsfield, NH
If you love the sight of colorful balloons drifting over the treetops at sunrise, mark your calendar — the Suncook Valley Rotary Hot Air Balloon Rally is back for another summer of soaring color, community, and small-town charm in Pittsfield, New Hampshire.
When: July 31 – August 2, 2026 (the first full weekend of August)
Where: Drake Field, Pittsfield, NH
This beloved New Hampshire tradition has been lifting off since 1981, making the 2026 edition one of the longest-running balloon festivals in the Northeast. What started as a small community gathering has grown into a signature Granite State summer event, drawing thousands to the fields of Pittsfield each year.
What to Expect
The weekend blends the magic of hot air ballooning with classic New England fair fun:
• Dawn and dusk balloon launches — the calmest winds (and best photo ops) come at sunrise and sunset, weather permitting
• Rotary pancake and egg breakfasts to fuel up before the morning launch
• Craft fair, midway carnival rides, and food vendors
• Helicopter rides and tethered balloon rides
• Night Glow — balloons lit up after dark, tethered and glowing like giant lanterns
• Fireworks following the Night Glow
• A 5K road race and other family activities like touch-a-truck, disc dog demos, and a river raft regatta
A Few Notes Before You Go
Balloon launches are entirely weather-dependent, so if you’re planning your visit around seeing the balloons take flight, check the official schedule the morning of the event. Admission to the festival grounds is free, with donations welcomed to support the Rotary’s community work; food, rides, and helicopter/balloon rides carry separate costs.
For the most current schedule, weather updates, and details, visit nhballoonrally.org.
Whether you come for the sunrise launch, the Saturday night glow, or just a good old-fashioned county-fair afternoon, the Pittsfield balloon rally is one of those events that makes a New Hampshire summer feel complete.
