See you in 2025
January 10, 2022
2022 Festival to Take Flight July 29-31
READINGTON, NJ — Anything can happen in Jersey. Or over it.
The skies will once again be filled with gigantic, colorful balloons with the New Jersey Lottery returning as title sponsor of the 39th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.
A must-attend event on everyone’s summer calendar, the three-day Festival returns to Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ from July 29-30-31, 2022.
Last year’s Festival met the long-simmering desire for people to gather safely outdoors with family and friends to enjoy outdoor entertainment across the expansive 744-acre airport; a record 175,000 people attended the 2021 event.
“The New Jersey Lottery brought a great new fan experience to the Festival and was a huge win for all with lots of fun and excitement, and we’re thrilled to continue our long partnership and launch another great event this summer,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman. “The Lottery has been with us at various levels for more than 20 years and as title sponsor, their partnership enables us to continue to offer the many great things people come to enjoy every year while also offering many new entertainment features and unforgettable experiences.”
The New Jersey Lottery “Lottery Land” features a relaxing, multi-level Quick Draw lounge that provides comfortable seating and spectacular rooftop views of the Festival grounds and the twice-a-day mass hot air balloon ascensions. In 2022, the Cash Pop Summer Concert Stage will feature well-known tribute bands as it becomes a true second performance venue at the Festival, making Lottery Land a must-see attraction.
“New Jersey Lottery is excited to continue our partnership with the Festival of Ballooning,” said James A. Carey, the New Jersey Lottery’s Executive Director. “The Festival has proven to be a great platform for us to remind New Jersey about all of our fun and entertaining lottery games. It also provides a unique setting for us to connect with people overall in a fun way at an event they love and have been coming to for over 35 years.”
With up to 100 colorful balloons filling the sky, concerts, family entertainment and attractions, fireworks and food all in one place, there’s plenty to see and do, including taking a ride in a hot air balloon. The Festival also makes the perfect staycation for those in the region looking to enjoy affordable outdoor family entertainment close to home.
The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning has been named the premiere 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.
The Festival makes an impact both in the air and on the ground.
New Jersey Lottery is the State’s fifth-largest individual revenue producer benefiting the residents of New Jersey. Since its inception in 1970, the Lottery has contributed over $30 billion to the State, helping to bolster the public employee pension system for teachers, police and fire personnel and other public employees, as well as supporting business and communities throughout New Jersey.
Giving back to its communities is also an important part of the Festival, which has raised more than $3 million to date to benefit local charities, non-profit organizations, and children’s specialized hospitals.
The Festival has a financial impact of approximately $52.4 million on the state’s economy and is a boon for travel and tourism, sponsors and vendors; 72% of Festival-goers will make a purchase from a Festival sponsor or marketing partner during the year.
To learn more about this year’s upcoming festival or to purchase tickets, visit www.balloonfestival.com.