READINGTON, NJ --- The premier family entertainment attraction of the summer will now be a fall classic in 2020.

The 38^th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank, traditionally the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, has been rescheduled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

Originally scheduled for July 24-26, 2020 at Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ, festival organizers have announced the event will now take place the weekend of October 16-18, 2020.

“The safety and well-being of our patrons, balloon pilots, concert headliners, partners, vendors, staff and the overall community, are our foremost concern,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman in announcing the move. “While Governor Murphy hasn’t entirely lifted the public health emergency, we are hopeful we can come together in the fall to celebrate the magic of hot air ballooning and that the festival will be a part of the recovery and healing process.”

The October dates will also change the feel of the annual event this year.

“The fall foliage, cooler weather, and beauty of the Hunterdon County countryside provide exciting opportunities to enjoy the festival in a new way this year,” said Freeman.

The 38^th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank offers three days of affordable family entertainment featuring the awe-inspiring spectacle of up to 100 giant, colorful hot air balloons taking flight twice each day; a live concert series featuring Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and rising talent; a fireworks display; a nighttime hot air balloon glow; family entertainment and attractions; children’s amusement rides; a 5K race; exciting interactive exhibits and experiential marketing experiences to engage attendees; and hundreds of vendors.

The festival has been named the premier family entertainment attraction in New Jersey by the USA TODAY Network; the top festival in the state and one of the Top 50 festivals in America by MSN Lifestyle; and was named the #1 Thing to Do in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine.

The annual festival not only creates memories that last a lifetime but also has a significant impact on New Jersey’s travel and tourism and the local community, with an economic impact of $52.4 million and raising more than $3 million to date to benefit local charities, non-profit organizations and children’s specialized hospitals.

Ticket holders will be able to use their tickets, hot air balloon rides, Blue Sky Club memberships, etc. for the new dates in October. On Tuesday, May 26, everyone who has purchased tickets will receive an email detailing the deferral/exchange/refund options. No further action is required by ticket purchasers until they receive that email.

For additional information visit www.balloonfestival.com.