2026 Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival

An exclusive, elevated experience for two at the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival. Private Ascent combines a private balloon experience, full VIP access, and the Premium Wine Experience into one seamless package—designed for those who want more than general admission. What’s Included ? Private Balloon Experience Private tethered hot air balloon experience for two Priority scheduling with a balloon pilot Pre-event coordination for your experience ⭐ VIP Festival Access (2 Guests) All-day access to VIP Tent with seating & hospitality Catered meal with drinks (cocktails available) Balloon ride at your preferred time (weather permitting) Onsite parking ? Premium Wine Experience (2 Guests) Full SIP TN Wine Tasting Guided Wine Pairing Class Seated indoor/covered area Charcuterie box, tote bag & bottled water (per guest) Wine Pairing Times: 4PM | 5PM | 6PM | 7PM | 8PM First come, first served Availability Only 5 experiences available for 2026. First come. First served.

Enjoy a curated tasting of Tennessee wines, meads, and hard ciders from 12+ wineries. Enjoy a curated tasting of Tennessee wines, meads, and hard ciders from 12+ wineries. Includes: Access to all wine tasting stations Souvenir sample glass Cloth 6-pack bottle bag ? Bottles will be available for purchase directly from wineries — support local by taking your favorites home. Important: Festival General Admission is required for entry This ticket does NOT include access to the Premium Wine Experience or Wine Pairing Class Requirements: *Must be 21+ with a valid photo ID at the time of entry Purchase Notes: No refunds, cancellations, or exchanges. The event will be held rain or shine. No refunds, cancellations, or exchanges.

Perfect for those who want to enjoy the festival atmosphere without sampling alcohol Requirements: No age restriction (21+ not required) No refunds, cancellations, or exchanges.

Take your experience to the next level with exclusive access to the Premium Wine Experience, including a guided Wine Pairing Class and upgraded amenities. Includes: Full SIP TN Wine Tasting Experience Access to a Wine Pairing Class Seated tent area (shade + fans) (1) Small charcuterie box (1) Tote bag (1) Cold bottled water Wine Pairing Class Times: 4PM | 5PM | 6PM | 7PM | 8PM First come, first served for Premium ticket holders Important: Limited to 100 tickets total Festival General Admission is required Premium ticket holders will receive priority access to the pairing experience

A prepaid Festival admission ticket for entry into the Balloon Festival on Aug 15. Children 10 & under are free but require a ticket for entry accompanied by an adult ticket.

A prepaid General Admission Adult Ticket must be purchased in order to process a ticket for children 10 and under.

PARKING Onsite ONLY. This ticket DOES NOT include General Admission, Balloon Rides, VIP and/or Wine Tasting

Enjoy the ultimate festival experience with exclusive access and premium perks! Your VIP ticket includes: All-day access to the VIP Tent with comfortable seating and hospitality A delicious catered meal w/drinks (cocktails available) A balloon ride at the time of your choice (weather permitting) An exclusive Wine Tasting Experience Ticket Onsite parking

PLEASE READ POLICY: There will be NO REFUNDS on Tethered Balloon Rides. In the RARE OCCASION that the Balloons cannot fly due to weather during the entire duration of the event. That is the ONLY EXCEPTION to our REFUND POLICY. If the balloons are UNABLE TO FLY due to weather, the event host WILL ISSUE REFUNDS for ALL TETHERED BALLOON RIDE TICKETS - only - REFUND WILL NOT BE ISSUED for the General Admission. Participant must be at least 5 years of age. Ticket holder will meet the balloon captain, see the inner workings of the balloon and rise in a tethered ride. There will be many photo opportunities here and opportunities to ask questions of the balloonist. Should high winds or rain or lightening occur the balloons will not be able to fly. If the balloons cannot fly, $25 will be refunded to the bearer of the ticket. You and your family's safety is of utmost importance.