K‑State to host Flint Hills Balloon Festival's walk-through balloon glow
Kansas State University is partnering with the Flint Hills Balloon Festival to host several hot air balloons the evenings of Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14 for the festival's walk-through balloon glow.
Approximately 30 hot air balloons will be set up at 6 p.m. each evening, weather permitting, for visitors to walk through at the K‑State recreation fields, located at the corner of Kimball Avenue and Denison Avenue. Several colorful balloons — including ones shaped like a cow, a llama and a haunted mansion — will feature at the free event. Food trucks will be available on site.
Hot air balloon glows are nighttime events in which hot air balloons are filled and lit up by the flame supplying their hot air, but they remain stationary and tethered to the ground, creating an enchanting, lantern-light effect for visitors.
Flint Hills Balloon Festival parking and traffic information
Campus parking lot closures
The C1 and C2 parking lots near the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, through Sunday morning, Nov. 15, to accommodate the festival.
Visitor parking
If you're planning to attend, free parking will be available at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Enter through Gates 7 and 8 from Kimball Avenue.
Please note that the Vanier Family Football Complex parking lot and Gate 9, near the Intercollegiate Rowing Center, will also be closed.
Accessible parking will be available along Olympic Drive, directly in front of the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex. The entrance to the accessible parking area is on Denison Avenue.
Carpooling and walking to the event is encouraged, as heavy traffic is expected.
About the Flint Hills Balloon Festival
The Flint Hills Balloon Festival, now in its third year, aims to create memorable experiences within our community, support local nonprofits and drive tourism to Manhattan.
The walk-through balloon glow nights complement the festival's balloon launches, taking place separately each morning at Northeast Community Park, weather permitting.
View the Flint Hills Balloon Festival Facebook page for more details and updates about the festival.