FindandGoSeek

If the weather is right, this is such a great event. We have only gone to the evening launches. To see all the balloons being blown up on the field is a colorful feast for the eyes. Some of the balloonists even let the kids go inside the balloons for an up close look! When they all finally launch it is a magical moment for young and old alike.

There is always a kids' corner with a bouncy house of some sort and standard "fair food". If that isn't your thing, there are so many great restaurants in Stowe to eat in beforehand, just make sure to get to the field by 5:30 so you can see and experience the pre-launch activities on the field....more

Our family had a great time at this event. We enjoyed getting up close and personal with the balloons as they were being inflated. It was a wonderful and unique experience for our two year old son. One of the crew members even helped him "lift" the balloon off the ground. The grounds are stroller friendly, and it was relatively easy to navigate the event. Getting in to the parking lot wasn't bad, but getting back out was a bit of a nightmare. Plan on sitting and waiting unless you head out before the last balloon goes up. Overall I felt the entrance fee and the additional vendors were on the expensive side, but its not an every day event!...more

We have gone to this the past two years and plan on making it an annual tradition. The setting is gorgeous and watching the colorful balloons being blown up is one of the best parts.
Make sure to bring a picnic blanket or some chairs; it really is an open field and the balloons are blown up all around you. Like previous reviewers have mentioned, the food selection is limited, so be prepared to eat beforehand.
A couple of kiddie carnival games, a bounce house and bubbles have been available the past 2 years, but we haven't needed to use them....more

What a great way to spend an evening with your family! We took our 17 month old and had a blast-a very well-organized event in a beautiful setting. We had no idea that we would be within 10 feet of the balloons-you could actually feel the heat as they were launching. The live music was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the tasty cold beer as it was a hot evening.
The only downside to this event would be the costs-I would rather have paid more money to enter the festival than have paid $4 for the bounce house, $8 to get a face painted or arts and crafts. They could have used more food vendors as well-the event is held right at dinnertime for most families and ice cream, soft pretzels and a couple of sandwich options are not enough.
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I only went to the Saturday morning launch when it was free and the balloons were the only thing happening, but it was well worth getting up early. Stowe is a great place to see the balloons. Don't be shy about talking to the balloon pilots and crews - very often they need some help, especially if you follow them to the landing spot and they are packing up the balloon.
Sometimes you can even get a tethered balloon ride when they land - and if you can afford it, go on a balloon ride - it's an uplifting experience. ...more