We are pleased to announce the dates of the 29th Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival is scheduled for August 18, 19, and 20th. The Board is working diligently on creating a theme and inviting balloons to attend this year’s festival. We are working on gathering sponsorship, volunteers, vendors, parade participants, and exciting entertainment also if interested in any of these areas, please reach out to us. We will be announcing the theme and Specialty Balloons very soon.
As always, we are looking forward to sharing this incredible community event with all of you! This event is very dear to the twin cities and the communities surrounding the Lewiston and Auburn and the GFBF Board is honored to volunteer to create this event.
We are all very proud to serve and fulfill our mission:
The mission of the Great Falls Balloon Festival is to provide fundraising opportunities for local
non-profit organizations, while celebrating our community and promoting the Lewiston/Auburn area as a visitor destination.
We will continue to offer a jam-packed weekend and carry on our fantastic traditions and we may even throw in a few new and exciting things too!
Balloon launches are 6:00 am and 6:00 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Weather permitting, the moon glow will illuminate Simard Payne Memorial Park on Friday night. It is quite a sight to see! Come on down and enjoy a ride – if that is not for you, there will be tethered rides available Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the main field.
Both stages, Lewiston and Auburn, will be full of great entertainment all weekend – check out our schedule in this insert or on our website for all the details. There is something for everyone, we hope you enjoy it!
Craft and trade vendors will line the park and the carnival will be present to lend fun and excitement as well!
Since its creation, the mission of the festival is to provide a place for local non-profits to raise much-needed funds. This is accomplished by the mouthwatering food offerings and donations to the parking lot groups. The organizations work hard all year preparing for this event to provide these choices to you. Visit your favorite food booth and support them!
According to economic impact studies done at the festival, the revenue stream over the weekend to Lew/Auburn is $2.3 million dollars, with 65% of that coming from outside the twin cities. Between our local restaurants, hotels, stores and gas stations, everyone benefits. The numbers are impressive for a weekend event supporting our great community!
It goes without saying, but we will say it any how… we could not put on this great event without the help and support of many volunteers, corporate sponsors and the cities of Lewiston and Auburn. Everyone involved puts in endless hours and the board cannot thank everyone enough! We also thank the local landowners who may find a balloon in their backyard over the weekend!
Please come on down to the festival this year and enjoy all it has to offer. We look forward to being your hosts!
Thank you,
Board of Directors
2023 Great Falls Balloon Festival.