Hot Air Balloon Festival Coming to Kennesaw State

Halloween is coming to KSU with the Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival on Oct. 26.

The festival is a family- friendly event with a wide range of attractions and entertainment, including the Mystical Marketplace. The Mystical Marketplace is a bazaar with unique finds from 12 different Atlanta vendors. Perfume, jewelry, paintings, pottery and lotions are some of the few goods the vendors will be selling.

Special stunt entertainers will be at the festival, including sword swallowers, fire breathers, magicians, stilt walkers and contortionists. The main stage will provide live musical entertainment from The Village People and the Kurt Thomas Band.

Some of Atlanta’s favorite food trucks will be at the festival. In addition, alcohol will be available for those with a valid ID. Alcohol selections include local and craft beer, wine and spirits and “Owler Growlers.”

The festival’s most famous attraction will feature more than a dozen hot air balloons. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to both see the balloons up close and go on short, guided rides. After sunset, the balloons will be lit up for the “balloon glow,” which will create for a dazzling visual spectacle.

Students have responded positively to the festival. The public event on Facebook has more than 200 RSVP’s consisting mainly of KSU students.

Sophomore Communication major, Michael Moore, is excited about the unique opportunity the festival will present. “Not everyone gets a chance to ride a hot air balloon or even see one up close. It is exciting if you are a kid, adult or college student, and I am looking forward to going to this special event at such a good price.”

The event is also kid-friendly. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Radio Disney will be there with opportunities for children to participate in activities. A special game will allow children to trick-or-treat from balloon to balloon for candy and other healthy snacks.

The event will take place at the Fifth Third Bank Stadium from 4 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are available for purchase on the festival’s website, http://owl-o-ween.com. Tickets are free for children under 3, $8 for children ages 4-12, $10 for adults and $8 for KSU students and active and retired military. The Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival is a must-see event with something for everybody.