» General Festival Questions

Why are the balloon ascensions at such unusual times - 6:30 a.m & 6:30 p.m?

It is the safest to launch hot air balloons when the surface winds are less than 6-8 mph.  Therefore, ascensions are at the two times during the day when winds are calmest - one hour after sunrise, and one hour prior to sunset.  As the sun heats up the atmosphere, it creates breezes, otherwise known as "thermals."  Therefore, the best time to launch the balloons is while the air is still cool, or cooling down.

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Do you know of any hotels in the area?

We are proud to have five preferred hotels of the festival.  Each hotel offers discounted rates for festival patrons.  Please visit our  hotel reservation page  to book your reservation or call us at 1-800-HOT-AIR-9. 

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Are there parking options other than Solberg Airport?

The festival offers the convenience of 80 plus acres of on-site parking. 

In addition, on Saturday and Sunday from noon until close, Free Express Shuttle Buses will run continuously between the festival and nearby Raritan Valley Community College.  For directions to the on-site and remote parking areas, visit the Directions page.  Unfortunately, there is no mass transit (buses or trains) that goes directly to Solberg Airport.

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Can I bring a cooler with food and beverage into the festival?

Coolers, bottles and food are not permitted on the festival grounds for safety reasons.  The festival provides an assortment of unique foods at our concessionaire stands and in the Quick Chek tent.

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Can I bring a pet into the festival?

Only seeing eye dogs are allowed on festival grounds.  Please make arrangements to leave your beloved pets at home during your trip to the festival.

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What is a Balloon Glow?

The signature event at a hot air balloon festival, the balloon glow has been compared to Christmas in July or flickering Japanese lanterns.  At predetermined signals, the pilots blast the propane burners, which releases a burst of fire into the balloon.  The balloons "glow" like huge fireflies, a truly magical scene, and one not to be missed! The balloon glow occurs during the Saturday evening concert beginning at sundown.

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Do I have to buy Blue Sky Club membership in order to see the concert?

No.  Although the Blue Sky Club provides a seat in the reserved concert seating section, a general admission ticket allows you to see and hear the concert from outside the seating section.  It is similar to lawn seating at any outdoor amphitheatre, such as the PNC Arts Center.

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Can I take a balloon ride?

Absolutely. A hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Perhaps the most awe-inspiring experience is floating along in a balloon surrounded by 125 other spectacularly-colored aircraft. Might we suggest taking a ride during the morning ascension?  A sunrise balloon ride is truly magical.  The early wake-up call is well worth the trouble. For more information, click here.

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How close can I get to the balloons?

While the FAA mandates that we fence in the balloon launch area for safety purposes, you can easily secure a prime viewing spot along the 1,800 foot flight line to view these magnificent and colorful balloons. Attending the morning ascensions on both Saturday and Sunday, enables you to get the best, unobstructed view.

The most comfortable and closest view of the massive balloon launch is in our VIP area, the Blue Sky Club.  Blue Sky Club Membership offers an array of exclusive benefits that give you first-class treatment.  Otherwise, the balloons are visible from anywhere within the festival grounds.  If you want to be up close and personal, the festival offers balloon rides and tethered balloon rides.

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What goes on at the festival other than watching the balloons?

The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is "more than hot air" because it offers a wide variety of entertainment.  There is truly something for everyone!  From colorful hot air balloons ascending twice daily to 3 headline concerts, to world-class children's entertainment, to hundred's of arts & crafters, to food vendors from around the world, to twice daily old time barnstorming air shows, fireworks, balloon glows and more, to amusement rides, we guarantee non-stop entertainment for the enitre family!   Visit our Detailed Schedule for a complete list of entertainment.

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When is the best time to come to the festival?

While there is non-stop family entertainment throughout each day of the festival, if you want to see balloons, the best time to come is early in the morning to watch the 6:30 am ascension or in the mid-afternoon to watch the 6:30 pm ascension.   Traffic tends to build up around 4:30 pm on Saturday, so to avoid traffic, plan to arrive a bit earlier.  You will have time to walk the festival grounds, enjoy the crafters and vendors, and even take in some of our entertainment before watching the balloons.

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