Note: All scheduled balloon activities are wind and weather permitting.
Mass Ascension & Balloon "Glow"
When? May 22: 3 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where? Bennett Bunn Plantation, 1915 Old Bunn Road, Zebulon, NC 27597
There's no admission fee to attend the fun with family and friends. A crowd favorite, enjoy watching a field of balloons inflate and launch into a late-spring sky as a kick off to the WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest.
After sunset, many of the balloons will either stay or return to the field for you to enjoy a balloon "glow." Be sure to charge your phone or cameras to capture the beautiful sights. The glow is also free to attend.
We plan to open the venue at 3 p.m. to give you plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon. We strongly recommend arriving early.
Championship Competition Flights
When? May 23-25 - 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. each day
Where? Bennett Bunn Plantation, 1915 Old Bunn Road, Zebulon, NC 27597
Skills Challenge Flights. Come see pilots challenged to show how well they can control their balloons. Each morning, you'll see balloons flying into Bennett Bunn Plantation competing for points, prizes and, of course, bragging rights.
Tethered Balloon Rides & Balloon Glow
When? May 23-24: 3 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. each day
Where? Two Locations: Bennett Bunn Plantation, 1915 Old Bunn Road, Zebulon, NC 27597 and Spring Forest Road Park, 4203 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
In the afternoon, we'll have pilot "meet-and-greet" events where you can get a tour of balloon baskets, collect balloon cards and learn about the oldest form of manned flight.
Late in the day, get a taste of what it feels like to fly in a hot air balloon in a tethered balloon. While there's no admission fee to attend the fun with family and friends - for tethered rides, there may be a nominal fee.
After sunset, enjoy the balloon "glow" but be sure to charge your phone or cameras to capture the beautiful sights. The glow is also free to attend.
Balloons will not begin tethering until about 2 hours before sunset. However we will open both locations - Bennett Bunn Plantation and Spring Forest Road Park - at 3 p.m. to give you plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon. We strongly recommend arriving early. Check back regularly for updates about parking, shuttles, and VIP parking information.
