Balloons over Vermilion to be held on new date, at new location in 2026

DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - The annual Balloons over Vermilion will be held on a new date, at a new location in 2026.

For the 10th annual celebration, the hot air balloon festival will be held June 5-6 at Kennekuk County Park.

“We are very excited to celebrate a decade of delighted smiles as colorful hot air balloons fill the sky and light the night with dazzling balloon glows,” said Carly Goodwin, Festival Co-Chair. “Shifting to June gives our neighbors, friends, and visitors another opportunity for extended family fun throughout the summer.”

“The Vermilion Regional Airport has been a wonderful and gracious partner but hosting a large-scale festival at an active airport limits some logistical and attraction opportunities,” added Dean Carlton, Host Pilot and Co-Chair.

“We are thrilled to welcome Balloons Over Vermilion to Kennekuk County Park for 2026 and beyond,” said Jamie Pasquale, Director of the Vermilion County Conservation District. “The timing is perfect for thousands of guests to explore Vermilion County’s natural beauty and the Bunker Hill Historic Village—combined with community entertainment at its finest.”

The 10th anniversary celebration will showcase more than 30 hot air balloons, including special shapes, tethered balloon rides, a Kids Zone, continuous live

entertainment in the beer tent, Balloon School, and a wide variety of food vendors.

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