The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is a beloved community event that draws tens of thousands of people to Livingston County each year. The last full weekend in June pilots take flight and fill the skies with the brilliant colors of hot air balloons and compete in the challenge. In 2020, due to COVID-19 we were unable to host this event.

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce plans to move forward with a modified version of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest on June 25, 26, and 27th. This year’s event will feature four flights throughout the weekend with launches taking place throughout the Howell Area and flying over downtown Howell. We are partnering with the Howell Mainstreet DDA and Howell Area Parks & Recreation to bring  pop-up entertainment and activities throughout our downtown during the weekend.

 Although we will not be gathering at the event site as we have traditionally, we are adding an exciting new twist! The event will have increased coverage so that the greater community can share in the ballooning experience without being at the event in-person.

• • The event will include radio and digital promotions
• • Live video feeds and on-site pilot interviews
• • Live video of balloon inflations, take-offs, and landings
• • Live Sponsorship highlights for sponsors on-site or remoting-in

Twenty-four pilots will be competing in this year’s challenge. The main goal of the event this year is to attract people to the region to shop, dine and enjoy the sights of the balloons from a safe distance while avoiding large crowds and congregation.

Updates regarding the event with a complete list of downtown activities will be made available on the Michigan Challenge website as they are confirmed. 

We’re sincerely thankful for the support of our Balloonfest Committee, Sponsors and community partners.