Weather Dependent
WHAT DOES WEATHER DEPENDENT MEAN?
Hot air balloons are by nature weather dependent as they are unable to fly safely with high winds or other adverse conditions. An experienced balloon master monitors the weather very closely and makes a decision regarding safety and feasibility of each activity just before its scheduled time. While winds may seem safe to people on the ground, they may be unsafe for flying at the altitude needed for safe ballooning. Festival is a rain or shine event but balloons are weather Dependent.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The Festival Director & Balloon Meister make the decision minute-by-minute based on input from meteorologists, balloonists, and several weather mapping resources.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The decision is made and announced at the earliest possible time for spectators and balloonists to prepare for ballooning activities.This is sometimes after the posted times of activity for safety reasons, but everyone should remember that balloonists want to fly whenever it is possible and safe.
Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival is August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2023!
All ballooning activities including static display, tethered rides and balloon flights are weather-dependent. The decision to inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to the scheduled ballooning activity. Please note that due to the popularity of our festival, our admissions booths will close when we reach maximum capacity. This is a decision out of our control and made by local law enforcement. Tickets are non-refundable.
