The 47th annual Plano Balloon Festival, presented by H-E-B and Central Market, opened on September 19, 2026, at Oak Point Park and Red Tail Pavilion. The four-day event features 40 balloons, including 12 special shapes, according to event director Jessica Jackson.
Early arrivals gathered before sunrise to watch the inflations, with spectators observing shapes such as a Yogi Bear, a llama, and a frog as crews used propane burners to lift the aircraft.
After the initial launches, the field opened to visitors who walked among the baskets and burners to view the equipment up close. Wanda Romero, a 47-year-old Fort Worth resident, was among the first to take a tethered ride. Romero described the experience as smooth, noting that she did not realize they were already in the air.
Jackson, who has been involved with the festival for 35 years after starting as a volunteer at age 10, said the event aims to provide a fascinating experience for guests of all ages. The festival, which began in 1980, originated from sport balloon pilots working with the Plano Chamber of Commerce.
Ballooning remains the central attraction, supplemented by live music, children’s activities, food vendors, and skydiving exhibitions.
