The 35^th Annual Plano Balloon Festival begins Friday evening September 19 and runs through Sunday, September 21. Bands, bounce houses, climbing wall, food concessions and exhibitors’ booths are all part of the fun, but the highlight is the balloons. The event features balloon races, balloon glows (Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.), and balloon tethered rides.

Lift off. If you’ve never been, I urge you to go to a balloon launch. There are five launches scheduled during the Plano Balloon Festival. Evening balloon launches are at 6 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

But my favorite balloon launches are in the morning. You can catch these on either Saturday or Sunday at 7 am. Our family likes to bring a picnic breakfast, lawn chairs, and a sense of wonder as the hot air balloons take to the skies at sunrise. It’s an incredible sight.

Viewing tips. While it’s a little more costly, I recommend the Collin County Community College Spring Creek Campus prime parking. The cost is $10 but it gets you near the hill that affords the best viewing. There is an additional fee for festival entrance. Concessions are available for sale at the festival. Also, don’t forget to bring chairs or picnic blanket.

Balloon Run. If you are a runner, Plano Balloon Festival sponsors a half marathon, 5k, and family-friendly 1k race on Sunday, September 21. The races start just after the morning balloon launch. Race participants receive balloon festival tickets as well as t-shirts. Advance registration is required

Details. The Plano Balloon Festival is held at Oak Point Park (2801 E Spring Creek, Plano). For more information check out the Festival’s web site at planoballoonfest.org