It takes more than hot air to pull off Plano’s biggest sky-high party. The H-E-B | Central Market Plano Balloon Festival is back Sept. 18–21, 2025, at Oak Point Park, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help make it happen. Think of it as your backstage pass to one of North Texas’ most dazzling traditions.
Join The Crew
Festival volunteers play a crucial role each year, from collaborating with balloon pilots to assisting with children’s activities. Opportunities include:
- Volunteer Chase Crew: Assist special-shape balloon pilots with inflation, displays and glows. Volunteers must be 18 or older and able to lift 30–40 pounds.
- National Honor Society Volunteers: Greet families at admission gates, distribute child ID bands or help in the Kids Korner arts and crafts tent.
- General Volunteers: Support crowd control, vendor operations and other festival logistics.
All volunteers receive a free festival T-shirt. Registration is open now at planoballoonfest.org.
Festival Highlights
The 46th annual festival will once again fill the sky with color. Weather permitting, balloons are scheduled to launch or glow Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning. Nighttime balloon glows, when balloons light up the park like lanterns, are a fan favorite.
Beyond the balloons, the lineup features live music from the Plano Symphony Orchestra, cover bands such as Midtown 10, and the Plano Community Band. Evening shows close with fireworks and skydiving demonstrations from the RE/MAX team.
Families can explore the Central Market Kids Fun Zone, featuring inflatables and art tents, while shoppers browse handmade goods from over 35 vendors. Food trucks and local eateries will serve everything from turkey legs to funnel cakes…