From sunrise launches over the marina to evening balloon glows, Bay Harbor’s September festival gives families an unusually close look at the magic, and unpredictability, of hot-air ballooning.
There is something about a hot-air balloon that makes nearly everyone stop and look up.
At Balloons Over Bay Harbor, held September 11–13, 2026, families can do much more than watch colorful balloons floating across the northern Michigan sky. Pilots inflate and launch their balloons from the Marina Lawn in the heart of Bay Harbor, putting spectators remarkably close to the action. The weekend also includes evening balloon glows, tethered rides, children’s activities, a vendor market and opportunities to meet the pilots themselves.
We asked Michelle Denise, marketing manager for Bay Harbor, what families should know before planning a weekend around the festival.
What makes Balloons Over Bay Harbor especially fun for families?
Michelle Denise: Balloons Over Bay Harbor is a perfect family event for kids and adults alike. The stars of the show are the pilots who launch their beautiful hot-air balloons right before your eyes on our Marina Lawns. They are so close you feel like you could reach out and touch them.
No matter how many times you have seen a balloon launch, there is still so much excitement at lift-off.
The night glows are also absolutely beautiful on both Friday and Saturday evenings. There are tethered balloon rides offered during the day Saturday, and kids really love having the feeling of lifting off and being suspended in the air.
We also have hot-air balloon painting for kids and adults, face painting, kids’ lawn games and a dog show Saturday morning benefiting the local humane society.
What makes Bay Harbor different from other places to see hot-air balloons?
Michelle Denise: The backdrop is absolutely magical as the balloons drift above Bay Harbor Lake or the Village.
The launch area is actually quite small, and that makes the experience special because spectators can get very close to the balloons. During the night glows, the reflection on Bay Harbor Lake looks like a painting.
It is also nice for families because the festivities are concentrated in a small area. You don’t have to walk far to get from one activity to another.
Families may not realize how weather-dependent ballooning is. What should they know?
Michelle Denise: Hot-air balloons can only launch when the weather cooperates, and the pilots take that very seriously. They will sometimes wait until the last minute to decide whether they can launch.
Wind speed is a major factor. If it is too windy, they most likely won’t be able to launch, but they will try to inflate the balloons and put on a show for families however they can.
The night “glow” can also become a “flicker” if it is too windy to inflate the balloons. In that case, the pilots use their burners to create a light show with flames set to music.
We will post up-to-date information about launches on the Balloons Over Bay Harbor Facebook page throughout the weekend.
How do pilots decide whether it is safe to fly?
Michelle Denise: Pilot briefings are held 30 minutes before each scheduled launch.
The pilots use specialized radar information to look at wind direction, wind speed and barometric pressure in the atmosphere. They also release a Mylar balloon and watch which direction it travels. Sometimes they will do that several times before making a decision.
They may determine that they can launch from the Marina Lawn, or that they need to move to another location based on the wind. They have to be especially careful here because they do not want the balloons drifting out over the open water of Lake Michigan.
What is the 2026 balloon schedule?
Michelle Denise: The first scheduled flight is the Media Launch at 7:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, followed by another scheduled launch at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Saturday features scheduled launches at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with a bonus scheduled launch at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, September 13.
Night glows are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday on the Marina Lawn.
As with every hot-air balloon event, all launches and inflations are weather-dependent.
If a family can spend most of Saturday at the festival, what shouldn’t they miss?
Michelle Denise: Definitely the tethered balloon rides. They are very fun and very popular.
Pilot autographs are at 4 p.m. Saturday. Kids can get an autograph sheet and try to fill the entire thing while meeting the pilots.
Local fire trucks will also be there from 2–5 p.m. Saturday for kids to climb aboard. There is a vendor market Friday evening and throughout Saturday, plus the dog show at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Is there enough for younger children to do?
Absolutely. Younger kids love the balloons, and many of the activities work for all ages.
In addition to the balloons themselves, there is a balloon twister and face painting. One of the vendors also sells inflated LED balloons, which are especially fun once it starts getting dark.
What tends to surprise first-time visitors?
How massive the balloons actually are.
You don’t fully appreciate their size until crews pull them out and begin inflating them right in front of you. People are also surprised by how small the baskets are and by how many balloons we can fit into such a compact launch area.
Do you have a favorite moment during the weekend?
The first launch.
For people who have never witnessed one before, there is so much excitement. Everyone claps and waves to the pilot as the balloon lifts off. It’s exciting every time.
How would you turn Balloons Over Bay Harbor into a full northern Michigan family weekend?
One of the great things about this festival is that you don’t have to stay in one place all day. You can come enjoy some of the activities, leave for a while and then return for a launch or glow. There is so much happening throughout Saturday, and it is also worth visiting both Friday and Saturday.
If you’re building a northern Michigan weekend around the festival, take a walk along the breakwall in Petoskey. Stroll through Harbor Springs and maybe see a movie at the beautiful Lyric Theatre. And if the weather is nice, spend some time at the beach at Petoskey State Park.
There is plenty to make a weekend of it.
Plan Your Visit
Balloons Over Bay Harbor
September 11–13, 2026
Bay Harbor, Michigan
Balloon launches, inflations and glows are weather-dependent. Families should check the festival’s latest updates before heading to the Marina Lawn.
Michigan Family Travel Tip: Hot-air balloon festivals reward flexibility. Rather than promising kids that they will see a balloon launch at a particular time, build the festival into a larger Bay Harbor and Petoskey weekend. If the wind cooperates, the launch becomes the highlight. If it doesn’t, you’ll still have plenty to do along Little Traverse Bay.
Planning a family weekend? Read our complete Balloons Over Bay Harbor Family Guide for where to stay, what to pack, where to eat with kids and how to make the most of your time in the Petoskey area.
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