Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Know Before You Go!

March 20, 2022

The 37th annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest returns June 24 – 26, 2022! This beloved Livingston County tradition showcases the beauty of hot air balloons while emcompassing the essence of community traditions and family fun. Pack up the car and bring the whole family to experience one of the areas most popular event.

To help visitors learn more about this event, we spoke to event director, Michelle Tokan, about her favorite parts of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest.

What makes the Balloonfest an event for the entire family?

Because we’re located on the grounds of Howell High School, attractions and activities are all family-friendly. The Balloonfest event offers a full carnival with over 20 rides which means fun for the big and little kids. Many families have made the event a summertime family tradition and even schedule their graduation parties, family reunions, etc. around the event.

What is something that makes Balloonfest uniquely Howell?

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest helped put Howell on the map over 36 years ago and continues to help make the area a travel destination. People come to the event and recognize Howell is a great place to live, do business, and visit. They return to shop, dine and attend the many amazing events that happen in Howell including the Fantasy of Lights the day after Thanksgiving.

What is something that you can’t miss at Balloonfest?

The Saturday night balloon glow is a must-see for many of our guests. Oh, and the skydiving night show, fireworks, balloon launches and fly-ins, entertainment, and the family fun tent! Basically, you don’t want to miss anything at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest.

What should a first-time visitor to Balloonfest know?

Prepare to spend the day at the event. Want to visit downtown? Get your hand stamped before you leave for re-entry the same day. Visitors should like the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest page on Facebook for updates on balloon launches and weather dependent activities. For all the event details, visit the event website.

What is your favorite memory from Balloonfest?

Every Balloonfest is a new adventure; but throughout the decades that I’ve been involved, what touches my heart most is the passion and leadership of the Michigan Challenge Committee. With that said, the sense of community and teamwork that the event teaches and demonstrates to those involved is priceless.

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is a great place to make lifelong memories. Here are some favorite Balloonfest moments from our Instagram followers.

“I was on the second floor when I heard the unmistakable ‘whoooosh’ of a hot air balloon. I ran to the front window and I [saw] it coming over the trees. Then I grabbed my mom to run outside just in time to watch it just kiss the roof of the other building with the basket before clearing it and landing at the top of our driveway.”
– Jenny (@jdietzel87)

The Balloonfest Committee and the pilots would like to thank the residents of Howell for opening up their yards and driveways for possible balloon landings! It makes for an exciting week in their neighborhoods!

Are you ready to make your own memories at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest? Remember to tag your photos with #LoveLivCo. You may end up in next year’s blog for Livingston County visitors guide.

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Events Know Before You Go