Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival Returns This Summer

The annual event will take place August 21-23 at Simard-Payne Memorial Park.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:08pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, colorful lights and shapes, evoking the festive energy of hot air balloons taking flight.The vibrant return of the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival will bring a sense of community celebration and local pride to the twin cities.Lewiston Today

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is set to return this summer from August 21-23 at Simard-Payne Memorial Park. In addition to the hot air balloons, the event will feature live music, a carnival midway, artists, and food. Admission is free, and Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline says the festival is a major event for local businesses.

Why it matters

The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is a longstanding tradition that draws crowds from across the region, providing a boost to the local economy and showcasing the community's vibrancy. After a pandemic-related hiatus, the festival's return is an important milestone for the area.

The details

The three-day Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival will feature the iconic hot air balloons as the main attraction, along with live music, carnival rides, artisan vendors, and a variety of food options. Organizers are expecting large crowds to attend the free event, which is a major annual highlight for the twin cities.

  • The Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival will take place August 21-23, 2026.
  • The event has historically been held in late summer each year.

The players

Carl Sheline

The mayor of Lewiston, Maine, who says the balloon festival is the biggest event happening in the city this year.

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What they’re saying

“The event is important for local businesses and is the biggest event happening in the city this year.”

— Carl Sheline, Mayor of Lewiston

What’s next

Organizers are finalizing the full schedule of events and activities for the 2026 Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, which will be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

The return of the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the region's community spirit, supports local businesses, and provides a fun, family-friendly weekend for residents and visitors alike.