Hot Air Balloons Take Flight At NJ's Festival Of Ballooning

READINGTON, NJ — Hot air balloons are dotting the clear blue skies on Saturday during the 38th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning.

Unique balloons including a bunny rabbit, unicorn, and more were all being blown up to take on the skies.

The largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America is happening this weekend at Solberg Airport at 39 Thor Solberg Road in Readington.

Featuring up to 100 hot air balloons taking flight twice each day, a live concert series, fireworks, and a nighttime balloon glow.

The hot air balloon inflations and ascensions take place in the early morning at 6:30 a.m. and early evening at 6:30 p.m.

In between, the festival offers family entertainment including a live concert series; a fireworks display; a nighttime balloon glow where the balloons are inflated and lit up like giant lanterns; human cannonball David "The Bullet" Smith; the Running with the Balloons 5K; food and more.

The Festival is also partnering with the New Jersey Department of Health, Wegmans Pharmacy, and Hunterdon Medical Center to provide free vaccinations on-site from 8 to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Those getting vaccinated at the Festival can win prizes including a hot air balloon ride for two.

For tickets and information, visit www.balloonfestival.com.