Planning your Balloonapalooza experience? Choose a question below to open its answer. These general festival FAQs apply to Balloonapalooza events unless otherwise noted. Event details, schedules, parking, pricing, ticket packages and venue requirements may vary by location. Check your city’s Event Page and the venue’s official website for event-specific FAQs, policies, terms and conditions, and the latest information.
For our complete guest policies, terms, and conditions click here.Is Balloonapalooza rain or shine?
Yes. Balloonapalooza is an outdoor event produced rain or shine, subject to safety requirements. Weather may affect individual attractions or activities without cancelling the entire festival.
Are hot-air balloons guaranteed to inflate?
No. Hot-air balloon activities are dependent on wind, weather, field conditions and pilot approval. Balloon pilots have final authority over whether a balloon can safely inflate, remain inflated or operate.
What happens if the balloons cannot inflate that night?
If balloons cannot inflate because of weather or wind, guests may return on the next available scheduled festival night at no additional general-admission charge.
If there is no remaining festival night, including the final night of the event, no general-admission refund will be issued.
Does the weather return policy cover everything I purchased?
No. The return benefit generally applies to general festival admission only. Carnival tickets, tethered rides, parking, food, merchandise, VIP upgrades, indoor-event tickets and other third-party purchases are not automatically included.
Can activities stop even if the weather looks okay to me?
Yes. Safety decisions may be made by balloon pilots, festival management, the venue, fire officials, emergency responders or other authorized personnel. Activities may be delayed or stopped even when conditions appear acceptable to individual guests.
What kinds of weather or emergencies can affect the event?
High winds, lightning, thunderstorms, flooding, extreme temperatures, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, poor air quality, utility failures, governmental orders and other circumstances outside reasonable festival control may affect operations.
Are tickets refundable?
Generally, no. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges except where expressly authorized or required by law.
Can ticket prices change?
Yes. Ticket prices may vary by city, venue, date, time, ticket type, activity, availability and promotion. Pricing is subject to change without prior notice.
Are online and box-office prices always the same?
No. Online, advance, promotional and day-of-event pricing may differ. Tickets may also sell out, so box-office availability is not guaranteed.
If the price goes down after I buy my ticket, do I get a refund for the difference?
Not automatically. A later discount, promotion or new package does not automatically create a right to a refund, credit or price adjustment.
Are service charges included in the advertised ticket price?
Not always. Ticketing, processing, facility, delivery, tax and other fees may vary depending on the venue, ticketing platform or point of purchase. Guests should review the full transaction total before completing a purchase.
Should I buy tickets from a reseller or scalper?
No. Balloonapalooza does not condone unauthorized resale or scalping and does not guarantee tickets purchased through unofficial websites, social-media sellers, scalpers or unknown individuals.
Can I use a mobile ticket?
Yes. Guests using electronic tickets are responsible for presenting a valid, readable ticket. We recommend charging your phone and saving your ticket before arriving.
Can I post my ticket barcode or QR code online?
We strongly recommend that you do not. Guests are responsible for protecting ticket barcodes, QR codes, wristbands and credentials from unauthorized copying or use.
What does general admission include?
Standard Balloonapalooza admission provides access to the outdoor festival grounds and included festival entertainment, unless your ticket package specifically states otherwise.
Are carnival rides included with admission?
Not unless your ticket or package specifically says they are included. Carnival rides and games may require separate tickets, credits, tokens, wristbands or fees.
Are tethered balloon rides included?
Tethered balloon rides are normally a separately purchased activity unless specifically included in your ticket package.
What other things may cost extra?
Food, beverages, merchandise, carnival rides, games, tethered balloon rides, premium experiences, parking, vendor products and separately ticketed attractions may require additional payment.
Are all VIP packages the same?
No. VIP packages may vary by city, venue and event configuration. Always review the exact package description before purchasing.
What might a VIP package include?
Depending on the event, a package may include items such as premium admission, designated viewing areas, VIP parking, hospitality, food or beverage benefits, carnival rides, tethered ride access, merchandise or other special experiences.
Are tethered balloon rides weather permitting?
Yes. All tethered rides are subject to weather, availability and pilot approval.
How high or how long is a tethered ride?
Ride height and duration vary based on wind, operating conditions, passenger loading and pilot judgment. No specific height or ride duration is guaranteed.
Can a pilot refuse or stop a ride?
Yes. The pilot may refuse, delay or terminate a ride at any time for safety reasons.
Can children ride?
Yes, subject to operator requirements. Children 12 years old and younger must ride with an adult.
Are there health restrictions?
Yes. Guests who are pregnant, recently hospitalized, have current broken bones or casts, or have another condition that could make the ride unsafe should not participate unless permitted under the operator's safety requirements.
Do carnival rides require separate tickets?
Yes, unless your package specifically includes them.
Are unused carnival tickets refundable?
Generally, no. Unused carnival tickets, credits, tokens or wristbands are generally non-refundable and have no cash value unless otherwise stated by the carnival operator or required by law.
Do carnival rides have height or age requirements?
They may. Individual attractions can maintain their own age, height, weight, health, accessibility and safety requirements.
Does paying festival admission guarantee that I can ride every carnival ride?
No. Eligibility is determined by the individual attraction's safety requirements.
Is Balloonapalooza family friendly?
Yes. General admission is all ages unless otherwise stated.
Do children have to stay with an adult?
Children and minors must remain under the supervision of a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult appropriate to their age. Balloonapalooza does not provide custodial supervision.
What should I do if my child is missing?
Immediately notify Guest Services, event security, venue personnel or law enforcement.
What should I do if I find an unattended child?
Notify authorized festival staff or security. Please do not independently remove or transport an unrelated child from festival property.
Are strollers permitted?
Strollers, baby carriages and reasonable child-transport wagons may be permitted outdoors, subject to venue, crowd and safety conditions.
Can I bring a diaper bag?
Yes, but diaper bags, baby bags, stroller compartments and child carriers may be inspected.
Can I bring formula, breast milk or baby food?
Reasonable quantities of necessary infant supplies may be permitted, including formula, breast milk, baby food, bottles, diapers and medically necessary child-care items.
Is breastfeeding permitted?
Yes. Parents and caregivers may attend to reasonable infant feeding and care needs in accordance with applicable law.
Will I be searched before entering?
Guests and belongings are subject to reasonable security screening as a condition of entry. Screening may include bag checks, metal detection, handheld screening and inspection of personal belongings.
What happens if I refuse security screening?
Guests who refuse required screening may be denied entry, subject to applicable law.
Are weapons allowed?
Weapons and firearms are prohibited within Balloonapalooza-controlled festival areas except where possession is otherwise protected or required by applicable law. Venue policies and posted firearm notices may also apply.
Are illegal drugs allowed?
No. Balloonapalooza is a drug-free event. Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale or distribution of illegal or illicit drugs is prohibited and may result in removal and referral to law enforcement.
Are drones allowed?
Unauthorized drones and unmanned aircraft are prohibited.
What should I do if I see an unattended or suspicious bag?
Do not touch or move it. Notify security, venue personnel, festival management or law enforcement.
Can I bring a bag?
Small personal bags, purses, diaper bags and necessary child-care bags may be permitted, subject to inspection. Venue-specific bag policies may be stricter.
Do all Balloonapalooza locations have the same bag policy?
Not necessarily. Individual venues may have their own clear-bag, size or prohibited-item requirements. Always check the venue policy for your specific event.
Can Balloonapalooza hold my bag, coat or jacket?
No. Balloonapalooza does not provide bag storage, coat check, jacket check or personal-property holding.
What happens if I lose something?
Check the designated Guest Services or Lost & Found area. Locations and hours may vary by city. Recovery of lost property cannot be guaranteed.
Can I bring a lawn chair or blanket?
Reasonable lawn chairs and blankets may be permitted in designated outdoor areas unless restricted because of venue, crowd or safety conditions.
Will food and drinks be available?
Yes. Food and beverages may be offered by independent concessionaires, food trucks and vendors.
What if I have a food allergy?
Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions should speak directly with the applicable food provider before purchasing or consuming food. Balloonapalooza cannot guarantee that products are free from allergens or cross-contact.
How old do I need to be to drink alcohol?
You must be 21 or older with valid government-issued identification to purchase or consume alcohol.
Can alcohol service be refused?
Yes. Festival management and concessionaires may refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated or presents a safety concern.
What is Balloonapalooza's drinking-and-driving policy?
Drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Guests consuming alcohol are encouraged to use a designated sober driver, rideshare, taxi, public transportation or another safe option.
Is medical assistance available?
Medical, fire, security and emergency-response personnel may be available on or near festival grounds.
What should I do during a medical emergency?
Notify the nearest staff member, security officer, venue employee, police officer, fire personnel or EMS. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 when appropriate.
Does the venue have its own emergency policies?
Yes. Each venue may maintain its own medical, fire, severe-weather, evacuation, shelter and emergency procedures. Guests should review the applicable venue website before attending.
What happens if an area has to be evacuated or temporarily closed?
Festival areas or attractions may be temporarily closed, relocated, suspended or evacuated for safety, weather, capacity or operational reasons. Activities may resume when conditions permit.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted unless specifically authorized.
Are service animals permitted?
Yes. Service animals are permitted as required by applicable law.
Are emotional-support animals considered service animals?
Emotional-support, comfort or therapy animals that do not meet the applicable legal definition of a service animal are not considered service animals for festival admission purposes.
Does Balloonapalooza use animals for entertainment?
Balloonapalooza does not intentionally use animals for attractions such as petting zoos, animal circuses or animal rides.
Is parking included with my ticket?
Not unless your ticket or package specifically says it is included.
Is parking guaranteed?
No. Parking availability, proximity and specific parking locations are not guaranteed.
Is Balloonapalooza responsible for my vehicle?
Guests park at their own risk. Lock your vehicle, close your windows and remove or conceal valuables. Security patrols, cameras or lighting do not guarantee protection against theft, vandalism or vehicle damage.
Can my car be towed?
Vehicles parked illegally or in restricted areas, fire lanes, emergency routes or unauthorized private property may be ticketed or towed at the owner's expense.
Where should Uber or Lyft drop me off?
Rideshare pickup and drop-off areas are established by the applicable venue and may change. Check the venue's official website for current instructions.
Does Balloonapalooza operate Uber, Lyft or taxi services?
No. Balloonapalooza does not control third-party transportation pricing, routing, wait times, driver availability or cancellations.
Will photography or video recording take place?
Yes. Photography, video, livestreaming and audio recording may occur throughout Balloonapalooza.
Could I appear in festival photos or videos?
Yes. Guests may appear incidentally in crowd photography, event recaps, social media, website content, news coverage and promotional materials.
What about children appearing in photos?
Children may appear incidentally in family or crowd photography. Balloonapalooza will make reasonable efforts not to prominently feature an identifiable minor as an individual advertising subject without appropriate authorization.
Will Balloonapalooza use my image to create AI content?
Balloonapalooza will not knowingly sell or license an identifiable attendee's likeness to create a synthetic AI persona, fabricated endorsement or deceptive representation without appropriate authorization.
Can other guests photograph or record me?
Other attendees, media, vendors and third parties may independently create and share photos or videos. Balloonapalooza cannot control independently created third-party content.
Are artists and performers guaranteed?
No. Artists, performers, DJs, specialty acts, balloon pilots, vendors, schedules and attractions are subject to change without prior notice.
Does an artist cancellation mean the festival is cancelled?
No. The cancellation, substitution or absence of one performer or attraction does not constitute cancellation of the entire festival and does not automatically create a right to a refund.
Does Balloonapalooza endorse everything an artist says or does?
No. Artists and performers may express their own personal, political, religious, social or creative views. Those views do not necessarily represent Balloonapalooza.
Is Balloonapalooza a multicultural event?
Yes. Balloonapalooza serves diverse communities and seeks to provide a welcoming environment for guests of different cultures, backgrounds, traditions, languages and beliefs.
Is Balloonapalooza affiliated with a political or religious organization?
Balloonapalooza is a nonpartisan community entertainment event. Participation by political, civic, religious, cultural or nonprofit organizations does not automatically constitute endorsement of their beliefs or positions.
Will multilingual assistance be available?
Multilingual staff, volunteers, vendors or venue personnel may be available at certain locations or times, but multilingual assistance is not guaranteed.
Is Balloonapalooza accessible to guests with disabilities?
Balloonapalooza intends to provide reasonable access consistent with applicable law and venue capabilities. Accessibility resources may vary by venue.
Should I contact someone before the event if I need an accommodation?
Yes. Guests requiring specific accommodations are encouraged to contact Balloonapalooza or the applicable venue in advance when practical.
Can accessibility or medical requirements affect ride participation?
Yes. Individual rides and attractions may maintain legitimate safety restrictions that affect participation.
Are Balloonapalooza rules the same as venue rules?
Not always. Each host venue may have separate rules concerning bags, security, firearms, parking, rideshare, smoking, alcohol, accessibility, emergency procedures and prohibited items.
Which rules do I need to follow?
Depending on the activity or location, you may be subject to Balloonapalooza policies, venue policies, carnival/operator rules, vendor terms, ticket-package conditions and applicable law.
Could something be permitted outdoors but prohibited inside a venue?
Yes. Rules may differ by property or controlled area. Always review the venue-specific policies for your event.
Are vendors operated by Balloonapalooza?
Some vendors and concessionaires are independent businesses and may maintain their own pricing, payment procedures, refund policies and terms.
Is Balloonapalooza responsible for an independent vendor purchase?
Transactions made directly with an independent vendor are generally transactions between the guest and that vendor.
Are ATMs and credit-card machines operated by Balloonapalooza?
Not necessarily. ATMs and payment systems may be operated by independent financial institutions, vendors or third-party processors.
What if someone claiming to work for Balloonapalooza tries to sell me a ticket or upgrade privately?
Report it. Only authorized outlets and representatives may conduct official transactions. A uniform, badge or credential does not automatically mean someone is authorized to sell festival products or access.
Does Balloonapalooza provide hotel recommendations?
Balloonapalooza may provide general links or nearby hospitality information as a convenience, but inclusion does not automatically constitute endorsement or guarantee of quality or availability.
Am I responsible for choosing my own hotel or lodging?
Yes. Guests are responsible for researching, booking and verifying their own hotels, RV parks, campgrounds, vacation rentals, tiny-home accommodations and other lodging.
Is Balloonapalooza responsible for hotel cancellations or travel expenses?
No. Guests should independently review lodging cancellation and refund policies. Balloonapalooza is not responsible for personal travel expenses arising from weather, emergencies or schedule changes.
Is Balloonapalooza always the same theme?
No. Balloonapalooza may present annual, seasonal or touring themes that change by year, city, venue or market.
What is GLO?
GLO is an example of a Balloonapalooza theme that may appear in certain cities or years. Themes may evolve, return, change or be paired with different entertainment depending on the event.
Do these policies apply to all Balloonapalooza themes?
Yes. The general Terms, Conditions, Safety & Guest Policies apply across Balloonapalooza themes, touring series, special editions and related festival presentations unless a specific event publishes additional or different terms.
What are the most important things I should know before attending?
RAIN OR SHINE • ALL SALES FINAL • WEATHER DEPENDENT BALLOON ACTIVITIES
Balloon activities are subject to wind, weather, field conditions and pilot approval.
If balloons cannot inflate, the next-available-night general-admission return policy may apply.
Carnival rides, games, tethered rides and other premium activities may cost extra.
Artists, performers, attractions and schedules can change without prior notice.
Guests must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase or consume alcohol.
Drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Guests and belongings are subject to security screening.
Venue-specific rules may differ by city.
Still Have Questions?
We hope these FAQs helped you plan your Balloonapalooza experience. For more detailed information about festival policies, guest requirements, safety guidelines and other important information, please review our full Terms, Conditions, Safety & Guest Policies.
Remember: Each event venue may also have its own rules, policies, terms and conditions. Please visit your city’s Event Page and the venue’s official website for additional venue-specific information.