Experience Your Own “Up” Moment This Year in Arcadia, Oklahoma

This September in Arcadia, Oklahoma, you may be thinking you're seeing things. But, rest assured, you are definitely seeing giant paw patrol balloons and many, many more.

What you'll be seeing and can even experience for yourself is the annual Route 66 Balloon Festival, September 20 - 22, 2024.

Just on the northeast outskirts of Oklahoma City, the Balloon Festival is much like the many others in the state - live music, vendors, and food trucks. Their main event, though, comes from the six different hot-air balloon rides, both tethered and un-tethered.

Flights During the Festival

For those that want to experience the rush, but without quite the risk, they still have available appointments for the festival's tethered rides. These rides keep you attached to the ground, but you're still able to experience the flight from tree-top level.

Adrenaline junkies have already taken up the appointment schedule for the untethered flights for the 2024 festival, but Visionary Balloonwork does offer private and group flights year-round.

What's There Besides the Balloons?

The list of vendors can go on for miles, but you won't find many events in Oklahoma with as much variety. This year, they had over 15 applications and they have not disappointed yet with their announcements of who has been approved for the festival. Visitors can enjoy food from vendors such as the Baked Bear, fire glass, candles, and even capture the moments at the festival with vendors like Red Dirt Image Photo Booth.

This year, you can take flight in more than just balloons - they will also be offering helicopter rides along route 66, thanks to Fly Tulsa.

Why Wait Until September?

The Balloon Festival usually draws more than 40,000 people to Oklahoma to get a "bird's-eye" view of Route 66. But that isn't the only place you might spot balloon rides being offered before, or even after, the festival.

The festival is one you won't experience like any other. Children can come along, too, although there are certain requirements for having them fly. But there will be plenty for all to do and enjoy from the heart of Oklahoma.