The annual Sunflower Balloon Festival in Anthony, Kansas, is happening this May. Admission is $2, and they have fun activities planned for everyone.
If you have ever wanted to experience a hot air balloon festival without spending a fortune, the Sunflower Balloon Fest in Anthony, Kansas, is worth the drive. This small-town festival has become a favorite among families seeking an affordable weekend full of balloons, live music, food, and fun activities.
The 28th Annual Sunflower Balloon Fest takes place May 15–17, 2026, and one of the best parts is its budget-friendliness. Festival buttons are only $2 cash, which is almost unheard of for an event with this much going on.
Compared to larger balloon festivals that can cost families a lot just to walk in, this one keeps things simple and affordable while still giving you the full balloon festival experience.
If you’re heading out and about, take a quick look at our Cheapest Gas Prices in Wichita guide. It’s updated with the lowest prices in town, so you can stretch your budget even further before hitting the road.
Anthony, KS Balloon Festival
For just a couple of dollars, guests can enjoy:
• Hot air balloon launches
• Balloon glows at night
• Live music
• Parade
• Car show
• Craft vendors and food court
• Bounce houses
• Face painting
• Medieval reenactments
• Puzzle contest
• Balloon basket photo opportunities
It is one of those events where you can easily spend an entire day walking around, listening to music, and watching balloons fill the sky without feeling like everything costs extra.
Balloon Festival Highlights
Watching the balloons launch is always the big draw. Morning and evening launch windows are planned throughout the weekend, weather permitting.
Festival balloon events include:
• Friday night Balloon Glow
• Saturday morning and evening launches
• Saturday night Balloon Glow
• Sunday morning launch
Tethered balloon rides are available for $25 cash, which is honestly a pretty affordable way to experience a hot air balloon up close. Full hot air balloon rides are also available for purchase.
Saturday at Balloon Fest is the Biggest Day
Saturday includes the largest lineup of activities throughout downtown Anthony and the airport.
Some highlights include:
• Food vendors and craft booths
• Live music
• Parade
• Car show
• Bounce houses for kids
• Face painting
• Balloon basket photo ops
This feels like an old-school community festival in the best way possible. It is relaxed, family-friendly, and affordable — which is getting harder and harder to find these days.
Anthony Balloon Festival Details
Date: May 15–17, 2026
Location: Anthony Airport & Downtown Anthony, Kansas
Cost: $2 Festival Buttons (cash only)
Balloon rides and tethered rides are available for an additional cost. All balloon activities are weather permitting.
Most of the balloon-related activities will be held at the Anthony Municipal Airport, but they’ll also have lots of fun activities and things to do in the town of Anthony, Kansas, during the festival.
Check out the Anthony, KS Chamber Facebook page for more info and for any weather-related changes.
Just a heads-up, that all Chamber activities i.e. balloon rides, tether rides, and t-shirt sales are going to be CASH only.
If you are looking for a unique Kansas road trip that will not destroy the budget, this is one of those
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See the flyer below from a previous Sunflower Balloon Festival for an example of the kinds of activities and schedule they usually have!
