The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival will celebrate its 32nd year with the theme of “Red, White and Balloons” honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary, according to a city news release.
The festival, which will run Aug. 21-23 at Simard-Payne Memorial Park on Beech Street, promises the return of tethered and untethered balloon rides, the “Moon Glow,” live music, festival food, crafters, vendors and more.
Drawing 75,000 to 100,000 people to Lewiston in 2025, the Star Wars-themed festival brought in around $100,000 in sponsorships, $25,000 in profit, and $76,000 for the many nonprofit food vendors. Some 45 craft and merchandise sellers also attended the festival with many expressing interest in returning this year.
“The festival expects over a dozen pilots from around the country to ascend festival grounds,” the news release said. “It is among the most immersive hot-air balloon experiences in the country.”
Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival’s Mel Hamlyn said leaders still hope to draw a few more balloons to the festival, one in the shape of an American flag among them.
“The theme will be great,” Hamlyn said. “I think everybody’s ready to celebrate our country, and our events will be awesome.”
Features for this year’s festival will include a carnival, medieval tent activities, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul tours, pony rides, “pups in the air,” and much more,” Hamlyn said.
Fan favorite “Moon Glow,” an event featuring tethered, illuminated balloons, will be held Friday, Aug. 21, while Maine favorite Motor Booty Affair will headline the festival’s musical acts on Saturday night, Aug. 22.
“There’s also something else that we’re working on, but we can’t announce it yet,” Hamlyn said.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said that as one of Maine’s largest events, the festival makes Lewiston shine for visitors from all over the world.
“The balloon festival brings many smiles and tourism dollars to our city businesses,” Sheline said. “I am always looking forward to our festival and the magic that it brings. No matter the weather, we will definitely be flying high this year celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary and the opening of the new Maine MILL in Simard-Payne Park.”
Those interested in booking a balloon ride can contact [email protected]. Festival officials plan to update the festival’s website with the 2026 schedule and offerings.
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