The Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival is flying to new heights this summer from its 2020 host site on Warren Community College’s Washington campus!  

Celebrating its 20^th year, the Hot Air Balloon Festival almost didn’t get off the ground. Traditionally part of the Warren County Farmers’ Fair, this year’s Fair was cancelled due to the global pandemic. However, long-time sponsor Warren Community College offered up a temporary home for the popular hot air balloon launches – and added a special 2020 twist. 

Not only will the festival include daily mass balloon launches and tethered rides, but the College will show off its own flying power with drone demonstrations. Other special events include a balloon-bicycle relay race. 

Running Wednesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 23, the Balloon Festival includes food trucks and entertainment each day.  

Wednesday and Thursday will be evening events only. Gates open 2:30 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. group launch. Drone demonstrations will be held 3 and 5. Tethered rides will be available after the group launch. 

Friday through Sunday will also include a morning session. Gates open at 5:30 a.m. with a 6:30 a.m. mass launch. Drone demonstrations will be held at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Gates will close at 11:30 a.m. until the evening session. 

To encourage social distancing, tickets for the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival will be limited per session. Tickets are $4 for the morning sessions or $6 for the evening sessions. Children 3 and under are free. Tickets for spectators and to book a hot air balloon ride can be found at balloonfestnj.com.  

All activities are weather permitting and a hurricane date has been set for Aug. 26-30. Warren Community College is located at 475 Route 57 in Washington.