July 06, 2018
Courtesy of/QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
More than 1,500 people are expected to take a ride in a balloon at this year's festival.
The 36th annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning will take place over three days, from July 27 through July 29.
Each day, up to 100 hot air balloons from around the world will take flight in the morning and again in the evening. Attendees can choose to watch, or be a part of the action and take a ride.
When watching the balloons, look for the 10 special shapes, including a 105-foot-tall Elvis balloon with a sparkly white jump suit.
On the ground, there will be family-friendly entertainment, including daily concerts, amusement rides and a performance by human cannonball David "The Bullet" Smith.
The Friday night performer will be Andy Grammer ("Honey, I’m Good," "Smoke Clears," "Fine By Me"). After the show, there will be fireworks to close out the opening night of the festival.
The next night, Lifehouse ("Hanging By a Moment") will play a concert. Near the stage, there will be tethered balloons lit up like giant lanterns.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited ("Proud Mary," "Bad Moon Rising," "Travelin’ Band,") will perform in the afternoon on the final day of the festival.
General admission tickets are required for each day. Currently, the price is $12 for children ages 4 to 12 and $30 for adults.
Balloon rides are $225 per person in the morning and $250 per person in the evening. Most balloons carry between two to six people.
There's also an option to take a five-minute tethered balloon ride for $20. These rides can only be purchased on-site.
Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29
$12-$35 general admission
Solberg Airport
39 Thor Solberg Road, Whitehouse Station, N.J. 08889
