FAQ's...
Use this guide and helpful hints to prepare your visit to Fuquay-Varina for the 2018 Freedom Balloon Fest. Visit often as we'll be updating regularly.
Plan for a Day Outdoors, Walking, in the Sun...
Come to Freedom Balloon Fest prepared. Three important things to remember...
- Drink water the night before and on the way to the event - then, plan to stay hydrated at the festival grounds.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen. Loose, long sleeves help with exposure too. Prep your children as well. If you have health considerations which may limit your capacity to be outdoors for long periods of time, you may wish to consult with your healthcare provider in advance before heading out into the sun. Fleming Loop Park is wide open without lots of shade trees - it has to be in order to have room for the hot air balloons.
- Fleming Loop Park is 26 acres (large enough to hold 19 football fields) with lots of things to do and see, which means there's lots of ground to cover just seeing the festival. Plan for walking at the festival and getting to the festival grounds. If you have mobility challenges, you may wish to consider planning ahead and renting a power scooter; many companies will bring them to your home fully charged.
Places to Park...
For safety reasons, there is no parking at Fleming Loop Park. There are a variety of public and private parking lots (including handicap accessible options) within a short distance from the entrance on Judd Parkway. All public parking is handicap accessible and there are paved sidewalks and crosswalks with curb cuts to the Main Entry to Fleming Loop Park on Judd Parkway. Plan for distances from parking to the event site similar to going to other major events, such as large concerts, football games, sporting events or the state fair, where even the closest parking can be a 1/2 mile from the main entrance. For some out of town guests, it may be easier to stay at your hotel or friends house and take a ride hailing service (shown below).
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All parking is operated independently at public and private lots near the festival grounds. Festival organizers offer the a list of parking lots for informational purposes only. Project Uplift USA receives no funding from parking - but we do accept donations for the expense of producing the festival.
Nearby ParkingThe following property owners and groups have information about their nearby property listed as a convenience to those planning to attend the 2018 Freedom Balloon Fest. This is not a complete list of all available parking surrounding Fleming Loop Park - only those who have asked for a free listing from festival organizers. There is a form button below for those who would like to have their lot listed.
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Lot Name |
Address |
Parking Fee |
Operated By |
Bob Barker Lot 1 |
TBD/RV Parking Available |
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Bob Barker Lot 2 |
TBD/RV Parking Available |
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Jones Lane Lot |
VIP Permit |
Permit Only |
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South Park 1 |
VIP Permit |
Permit Only |
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South Park 2 |
VIP Permit |
Permit Only |
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Spring Ave Lot |
Free |
Public |
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S. Main |
Free |
Public |
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Raleigh Street Lot* |
Free |
Public |
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Centennial Lot |
Free |
Public |
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Depot Street |
Free |
Public |
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Broad Street Lot |
Free |
Public |
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ACS Lot |
$10 |
Private |
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Stone Lot |
$10 |
Private |
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Klein Lot |
$10 |
Private |
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First Baptist Lot |
$10 |
First Baptist Church of Fuquay-Varina |
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Howard Lot |
$10 |
Private |
*Festival attendees are encouraged to visit downtown merchants. If your are looking to park and shop a while in downtown, please observe a 2 hour limit in the Raleigh Street Lot, so that other Festival attendees can enjoy the gracious hospitality of our Host Community's downtown merchants.
Ride Booking Services
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Frequently Answered Questions & Helpful Information:
What else is there to do?
- There's plenty to do and see. Join us for all day fun. Check out our Schedule of Events page.
- There are dozens of interactive sponsor and military displays, lots of food options, an arts & crafts village, live music on the RE/MAX Stage and more.
- If you want to see balloons in flight, come early and/or stay late.
- Morning Flights - plan to be at the park at 6:00am. Depending on wind/weather, pilots go out and fly back to the park, or they will launch from the park. Either way, it's best to be at the park right at sunrise. It's called "breakfast and balloons."
- Afternoon Flights - Afternoon mass ascension and tethered rides begin after 6:00p.m.
- *Flight/tether times are approximate and depend upon wind and weather.
- Tethered Rides require a signed a waiver of liability; children 18 and under must have a signature by a parent or guardian. Get complete details about Tethered Balloon Rides here.
- Want to take a balloon flight? Learn more.
- From Downtown Fuquay-Varina at the intersection of Academy & Main Street, the Town of Fuquay-Varina is completing the sidewalk all the way to the intersection of Judd Parkway in time for the Freedom Balloon Fest. Explore the "walk-ability" of Fuquay-Varina and get to know the downtown merchants of the Fuquay and Varina zones.
- The festival doesn't operate any public shuttles. Those seeking a lift to see various parts of our Host Community are encouraged to seek private ride booking services options - Fuquay-Varina is a great place to shop, dine and explore!
- Please note that golf carts and ATVs are not permitted on public streets/roads or sidewalks within the Town of Fuquay-Varina. Leave these on private property.
- Traffic around Fleming Loop Park is expected to be heaviest each day of the festival from 4:00pm-7:00pm; and again, from 9:00pm-11:00pm.
- Obey the direction from Fuquay-Varina Police officers and other law enforcement officials who are responsible for directing traffic. It's the law and it's for your safety. PLEASE watch out for their safety as well. Traffic patterns may change based upon law enforement needs and current conditions.
- Don't wait until the last minute to go to the festival. It's the best way to find parking and avoid traffic. There's plenty to see that's free!
- Observe all marked crosswalks and please use caution when driving near the festival grounds and expect pedestrians at all times.
- Just passing through on Highway 401 or Highway 42? We suggest finding alternate routes to go around downtown Fuquay-Varina during the Memorial Day weekend.
DO bring these
- Good shoes! Plan for a day of walking. Think of it just like a trip to the NC State Fair or your favorite college football game. The park is more than 25 acres of open land. Wear good walking shoes.
- Wear sunscreen. And, bring more to re-apply. There is limited shade at the park. Wear a hat.
- Bring a folding chair(s) and/or a picnic blanket but keep your items small and light.
- Need a stroller? We strongly suggest one of the small, inexpensive "umbrella" style strollers.
Don't bring these
Here are some basic rules for how to prepare for Freedom Balloon Fest so everyone can have a great time. Take a moment to check them out and have a great time.
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Rules During the Festival:
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Road Closed to Through Traffic...
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Fleming Loop Road nearest to the entrance of Fleming Loop Park will be closed to thru traffic.
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If you are a homeowner and your driveway is blocked anywhere in Fuquay-Varina, please contact Fuquay-Varina Police Department at 919-552-3191
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Freedom Balloon Fest is a community service event produced by Project Uplift USA, Inc., a North Carolina 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We are more than just a balloon festival. We invite you to take a few minutes to learn more Project Uplift USA. Volunteers welcome and volunteering encouraged in your community.
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Making a difference through individual donations is simple. Freedom Balloon Fest (like all of our programming) is supported entirely through company and individual donations, and of course, the willpower and tireless efforts of our volunteers. If you'd like to help, simply click the Donate button. We thank you in advance for your support.
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