The Waterford Balloonfest is a free, one day event happening this Saturday, July 16th. It’s one of the only hot air balloon festivals in the area, and it’s back after a three year hiatus.
Families can see the balloons take off in the morning between 6:00 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. during the morning launch, or during the night launch between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The night glow will begin at 8:30 p.m.
There will also be a craft fair from noon to 6:00 p.m., drone races from noon to 8:00 p.m., a Kid’s Area with a bounce house and petting zoo, a car show, live music, a kid bubble launch at 4:00 p.m., and more.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors.
Parking will available for $10 per car (cash only) in the following locations:
Woodfield Elementary Parking Lot (905 Barnes Rd)
Evergreen Elementary Parking Lot (817 W Main St.)
Fox River Middle School Parking Lot (921 W Main St)
Waterford Union High School Parking Lot (611 W Main St.)
There will not be hot air balloon rides available on July 16th, but helicopter rides will be available from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Waterford hosted the balloon festival from 2011-2018. The average attendance would range from 15,000 to 25,000 people for the weekend with 30% of the attendees being out of state.
Find out more at the event website.
Check out our Weekend Guide for more weekend events.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
