08/18/2026
One of Maine’s best summer events kicks off next weekend when the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival brings three days of hot air balloons, music, food, and family fun to Presque Isle. Taking place August 28–30 at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, the free festival gives visitors several chances to watch mass ascensions, see balloons and pilots up close, take tethered rides, or book a full passenger flight. After sunset, the Moon Glow is one of the weekend’s biggest sights, with glowing balloons lighting up the field against the night sky. A craft and vendor fair, live entertainment, kids’ activities, games, and plenty of food round out the weekend between flights. The festival itself began in 2004 as part of Isle Fest with just three balloon pilots, then grew enough that it was renamed the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest in 2006. Organizers now plan for roughly 12 to 15 balloons each year, including small one-person “cloud hoppers.” Presque Isle also has a special place in ballooning history: the Double Eagle II launched from the area in 1978 and became the first balloon to successfully cross the Atlantic, making the colorful festival a fitting summer tradition for northern Maine.
