Plano Balloon Festival Dazzles Crowds with Glow, Music and Fireworks

Lead Thousands gathered at Oak Point Park in Plano on Friday evening for the H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival’s balloon glow, live Midtown 10 concert and Pyrotex fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Nut Graf Now in its 46th year, the four-day festival unites families with colorful hot-air balloons, live entertainment and community activities, running through Sunday in Plano’s largest park to celebrate local culture and outdoor fun.

Main Part

Subheading: Evening Highlights

  • 4:00 p.m.: Gates and parking lots opened, welcoming early arrivals for food vendors and the Kids Fun Zone.
  • 4:30 p.m.: Midtown 10 took the FOX4 Main Stage for their first of four sets Friday night, energizing the crowd with upbeat pop-rock.
  • 6:00 p.m.: RE/MAX Sky Divers parachuted into the launch field, thrilling spectators with precision landings.
  • 7:30 p.m.: More than 30 balloons lit up the field in a synchronized Balloon Glow presented by RE/MAX, bathing the park in vibrant hues.
  • 9:00 p.m.: A Spectacular Pyrotex fireworks display capped the evening, drawing oohs and aahs from families across the lawn.

Subheading: Community and Logistics The festival’s executive director, Jo Via, noted that this family-friendly event “has become a legacy, with generations returning to share the magic of ballooning.” Attendance is estimated at over 100,000 for the weekend. Off-site parking shuttles and on-site lots at Collin College and local churches eased traffic flow, while street closures on Spring Creek Parkway and Los Rios Boulevard required attendees to plan alternate routes.

Subheading: Weather and Safety A brief afternoon storm swept through North Texas, but clear skies returned by evening. Balloon pilots remain on standby for wind forecasts, with Saturday morning’s 7 a.m. launch and Saturday night’s glow slated to proceed weather permitting. Festival organizers remind guests that all ticketing and concessions are cashless.

The Plano Balloon Festival continues Saturday and Sunday with tethered rides, morning balloon launches, live music, a 5K run, classic car show and more family attractions. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, free for military and first responders with ID.