Join us for the 40th annual Natchez Balloon Festival on October 17-18, 2025. Mirroring the lengthy history of the city, festival grounds are located at Rosalie Mansion's high bluffs above the Mississippi River. Live, world-class musical entertainment keeps feet moving while hot air balloons drift silently overhead. In addition to the breathtaking location, a carnival and Arts and Crafts market make the Natchez Balloon Festival one of the most family-friendly events in the state.
*Weather permitting, balloon flights will take place:
Friday - morning
Saturday - morning and afternoon
Sunday - morning and afternoon
Balloon Race Pilot Winners
1986 - Bill Cunningham
1987 - Bert Carolla
1988 - Bill Cunningham
1989 - Bill Whidden
1990 - Pat Canon
1991 - Harold "Bubba" Cliver
1992 - Bruce Comstock
1993 - Mark Bowie
1994 - Bruce Bussey
1995 - Pat Canon
1996 - Bill Cunningham
1997 - Bill Bussey
1998 - Jim Birk
1999 - Phil Glebe
2000 - Stephen Guido
2001 - Will LaPoint
2002 - John Wade
2003 - Brian Rohr
2004 - Gary Jones
2005 - Sam Edwards
2006 - Mark Bowie
2007 - George Richard
2008 - Joe Heartsill
2009 - Glen Smith
2010 - Tom Oberheide
2011 - Jim Birk
2012 - Steve Jones
2013 - Mark Daniel
2014 - Pat Canon
2015 - NA*
2016 - Anthony Seeger
2017 - Bruce Bussey
2018 - NA*
* unable to fly due to weather
Steckler Award Winners
2000 - The Stecklers
2001 - Peter Burns
2002 - Don Gardner
2003 - Laura and Ed Godfrey
2004 - Sally Durkin
2005 - Charles Feltus
2006 - Ralph "Trippy" Shields
2007 - Babs Price
2008 - Ken Price
2009 - Stephen Guido
2010 - Suzan Hogue
2011 - David Cauthen
2012 - Melody Fuqua
2013 - Rick Freeman
2014 - Sharon and John Goodrich
2015 - Maria Lambert
2016 - Chris Trippe
2017 - Rachel Lott
2018 - Scott Adams
2019 - Sam Kirby
2020 - No Award Presented
2021 - Mimi and Ron Miller
2022 - Curtis Moroney
2023 - Kim Falkenheiner
2024 - James Biglane (posthumous)