Natchez Balloon Festival
The city of Natchez makes a picturesque historic backdrop for balloonatics from all around the country during the annual hot-air balloon festival, when balloonists will fly above the high bluffs and Mississippi River. The Balloon Glow and fireworks show are always well-received, as is a lineup of bands that this year includes Tonic, Journey from The Heart, Terrance Simien & Zydeco Express, Matthias Lattin, Sammy Qadan & The Second Hand Smokers, and the Chee Weez. The image of hot air balloons suspended above the Mississippi River, when viewed from the two-hundred-foot river bluffs, is one not soon forgotten. The festival also includes a Sports Tent showing all the weekend's big games on big-screen TVs. Children's activities, carnival rides, and a variety of regional foods are always around, so it's up, up, and away you go to Natchez this weekend.
$45 weekend pass for adults, or $20 on Friday, $35 Saturday if purchased in advance. Children ages ten and younger are free. The Festival kicks off at 4 pm Friday, with an 11 am start on Saturday, all on the grounds of Rosalie Mansion. natchezballoonfestival.com. bontempstix.com.
