MS Championship Hot Air Balloon Festival returns this weekend

The Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Festival will return this weekend with family-friendly festivities planned in both Ridgeland and Canton.

This is the 40th iteration of the festival and will be the 35th year Ridgeland has partnered with the event in Canton to host the Friday night Balloon Glow.

The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday at Northpark in Ridgeland for a fun-filled evening of patriotism, spectacular visuals, and family-fun activities. The Kid’s Corner, which will operate from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., will also provide activities for children. The event is free to the public.

As night falls, over 15 hot air balloons will inflate and glow against the sky, creating a beautiful backdrop before the fireworks light up the sky and music by Temperance Babcock.

Also performing throughout the evening are DJ Trix, The Bridge Band, and country music star Steve Azar as the headlining performer. 

In the same hot air balloon spirit, the annual Mississippi Championship Balloon Fest will continue over the weekend in the City of Canton with the main event Saturday. The competition will start Saturday morning at 6:15 a.m at the Canton Multipurpose Center. 

Saturday evening, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Canton will host events at the Multipurpose Center including another balloon glow, fireworks and music from the Travelin’ Jane Band.