Home » Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events

Thursday, June 22, 2023
* All events/activities are subject to change and WEATHER PERMITTING.

Start End Event Location
2:00 PM 11:00 PM Wade Shows Carnival produced by Big Rock Amusements Freshman Campus Lot

Friday, June 23, 2023
* All events/activities are subject to change and WEATHER PERMITTING.

Start End Event Location
2:00 PM 11:00 PM Wade Shows Carnival produced by Big Rock Amusements Freshman Campus Lot
2:00 PM Close Open-Air Market Highschool Campus
2:00 PM Close Landing Zone Booths Landing Zone
2:00 PM 11:00 PM Highlander Food Court Highlander Food Court
2:00 PM 8:00 PM Ann Arbor Hands on Museum Family Fun Tent
2:00 PM 10:00 PM Brou-Haha Big Blue Blocks Family Fun Tent
2:00 PM 10:00 PM Escape Room Novi – Mobile Landing Zone
3:00 PM 3:45 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Mainstage
4:00 PM 9:00 PM Limitless Martial Arts Family Fun Tent
4:00 PM 8:00 PM Ben the Lego Man Family Fun Tent
4:00 PM 6:00 PM Live Acoustic Music with R&R Mainstage
4:45 PM 5:15 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Family Fun Tent
5:30 PM 9:00 PM LETS Shuttle N. Highlander Way near yellow gate/Behind Livingston County Clerk Building on N State St. and E Clinton St.
6:00 PM National Anthem sung by Taylor Lethorn Mainstage
6:00 PM Howell High School ROTC – Presentation of Colors Mainstage
6:30 PM 8:00 PM Balloon Launch* Launch Field
8:00 PM 8:45 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Family Fun Tent
8:00 PM 10:00 PM Local Heroes Band Mainstage
Dark Fireworks by Pyrotechnico Baseball Field

Saturday, June 24, 2023
* All events/activities are subject to change and WEATHER PERMITTING.

Start End Event Location
6:30 AM 8:00 AM Balloon Fly-In Competition Launch Field
9:00 AM Close Open-Air Marketplace Highschool Campus
9:00 AM 10:00 AM Yoga courtesy Spirit Rising Yoga & Meditation Mainstage
9:00 AM 10:00 AM Escape Room Novi – Mobile Landing Zone
10:00 AM Close Landing Zone booths and entertainment Landing Zone
10:00 AM 11:00 PM Wade Shows Carnival produced by Big Rock Amusements Freshman Campus Lot
10:00 AM 11:00 PM Highlander Food Court Highlander Food Court
10:00 AM Close Family Fun Tent Highschool Campus
10:00 AM 9:00 PM Brou-Haha Big Blue Blocks Family Fun Tent
11:00 AM 11:00 PM LETS Shuttle N. Highlander Way near yellow gate/Behind Livingston County Clerk Building on N State St. and E Clinton St.
12:00 PM 8:00 PM Ann Arbor Hands on Museum Family Fun Tent
12:00 PM 6:00 PM Ben the Lego Man
1:00 PM 5:00 PM Balloons & Brews Festival of Lights Fundraiser State Street
2:00 PM 2:45 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Mainstage
2:00 PM 9:00 PM Limitless Martial Arts Family Fun Tent
3:00 PM 6:00 PM The Ron St. Germain Band Mainstage
3:00 PM 6:00 PM Neverland Agility Course Family Fun Tent
5:00 PM Pilot meet and greet Launch Field
5:15 PM 6:00 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Highlander Food Court
6:00 PM 9:00 PM Neverland Craft Time Family Fun Tent
6:00 PM National Anthem sung by Taylor Lethorn Mainstage
6:00 PM Howell High School ROTC – Presentation of Colors Mainstage
6:30 PM 8:00 PM Balloon Launch Launch Field
8:00 PM 8:45 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Family Fun Tent
8:00 PM 10:00 PM Sadie Bass Mainstage
Dark Balloon Glow Launch Field

Sunday, June 25, 2023
* All events/activities are subject to change and WEATHER PERMITTING.

Start End Event Location
6:00 AM 8:00 AM Balloon Fly-In Launch Field
9:00 AM 2:00 PM Downtown Howell Farmers Market State Street
9:00 AM Close Open-Air Marketplace Highschool Campus
9:00 AM 10:00 AM More Fit – WERQ Dance Fitness Class Mainstage
9:00 AM 8:00 PM Escape Room Novi – Mobile Landing Zone
10:00 AM Close Family Fun Tent Highschool Campus
10:00 AM 9:00 PM LETS Shuttle N. Highlander Way near yellow gate/Behind Livingston County Clerk Building on N State St. and E Clinton St.
10:00 AM Close Landing Zone booths and entertainment
10:00 AM 9:00 PM Highlander Food Court Highlander Food Court
10:00 AM 1:00 PM Home Depot Kid’s Project Family Fun Tent
10:00 AM 8:00 PM Brou-Haha Big Blue Blocks Family Fun Tent
10:15 AM 11:00 AM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Mainstage
11:00 AM 9:00 PM Wade Shows Carnival produced by Big Rock Amusements Freshman Campus Lot
12:30 PM 3:30 PM Magic Bus Band Mainstage
1:00 PM 1:45 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Family Fun Tent
3:00 PM 6:00 PM Neverland Princess Tea Party Family Fun Tent
4:00 PM 6:00 PM Parted Waters Band Mainstage
5:00 PM 5:45 PM John Park Comedy Juggling Show Family Fun Tent
6:30 PM 8:00 PM Balloon Launch Launch Field

Rules & Reminders

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest event is one of the premier summertime activities in Michigan, offering entertainment for the entire family. This community event has activities planned for everyone – from carnival rides, kid attractions, fireworks, and the always-popular balloon launches, fly-ins, and evening glow. There are lots of events and attractions planned this year, and we look forward to seeing you there!

For the comfort and safety of all who attend the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, please follow these basic guidelines:

  • Remember to bring:
    • family and friends
    • a jacket for the evening
    • a camera to take photos
    • comfortable walking shoes
    • lawn chairs, beach chairs or blankets
    • sunglasses
    • sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Please leave pets and sparklers at home for safety reasons.
  • Remember, alcoholic beverages, grilling and smoking are prohibited at the site on schools grounds.
  • Balloon rides are not available during the event since the pilots are competing.
  • Visit the information booth for pilot information, and meet the pilots on the launch field at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

This years sponsors