Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning Review

Each year the prices go up and less balloons go up. Great musical guests and fantastic fireworks. Parking a nightmare, so is the price for parking. The guys directing traffic are 0 help. Matter of fact, they added to the nightmare. Once they "gave up" traffic ran smoothly. It's called being courteous and merging people... driving 101.

Even though there was no launch the vendor tents maker the trip worth it!!

Always a fun time even if it was a bit warm. Shade tents available to cool off in various locations. Got to see The Beach Boys and they rocked. Would definitely recommend the VIP ticket package to make parking, food, concert and balloon viewing much easier

Zero stars, and I'm going to boycott Quick Check until they let you bring in your own water. It was excruciatingly hot, but they didn't let you bring your own water. It wasn't for security, since they didn't check for guns or knives, it was to charge you $2.50 for a bottle of water. Poorly managed, no signs telling you where to board the shuttle buses. Hardly any shade provided. Next time I'll just have a picnic somewhere else to watch the balloons.

Amazing event! The balloon launch was magical. The fireworks were incredible. The concert was fun. Good, fun food at fairly reasonable prices. Sign me up for next year!

So much fun, it really is to bad this festival only happens once a year.

I have known about this festival for years but the sub-par reviews made me hesitant to go. After seeing the weather would be ideal and following some reviewers's recommendations to attend the morning launch, I deiced to go on Saturday morning. I actually stopped by a local Quick Chek on the way in at 5 AM in the morning and purchased my ticket. I don't think they mention this on the site, which understandably frustrates some festival-goers, but parking is $10 per vehicle which places you in a big grassy field. Be mindful that much of the parking lot and festival are on grass and that morning dew on the grass will make for slippery surfaces and wet shoes/socks. The parking attendants were organized on the way in and I had no issues parking. Upon entry there are baggage checks which was very quick. Check the website for prohibited items. The gates opened just after 6 am. There were a good amount of people there, but the field was massive and there was enough room for everyone. I wouldn't consider it "crowded". Not many shops and vendors are opened up at that time since everyone is there to see the balloons first. There are massive speakers with someone giving updates and plating music during the entire launch. The balloons went up at around 7 AM and it was spectacular. Iv'e gone to smaller balloon festivals but this was great. Lots of balloons were launched and I took tons of photos. They do offer tethered balloon rides which takes you up to about 60ish feet high for $20 per person. There are also full balloon rides which cost somewhere around $250 though I am not sure how long they last. As the launch concluded, people started making their way over to the vendors. There are lots of people selling all kinds of stuff as well as food vendors. There was a surprisingly amount of companies there giving out samples. Juices, waters, cookies, cakes, candies, soda, granola bars, protein bars....lots of stuff. Lots of smaller give aways too. The Quick Chek tent/store was also great offering reasonably prices food and drinks, much like what you see at a local Quick Chek. All staff I encountered were very nice and helpful. When exiting, you can get a bracelet to return that day, which is nice if you want to return for the evening session. (I think you can do that) Leaving the parking lot was very easy. I have read some horror stories, mostly for those attending the evening sessions who waited an hour + to exit the lot. I waited until about a week before when the weather reports were within range of the festival before purchasing my ticket. They also have good up-to-date app and Facebook page which will update you on any delays or launch cancellations. I am not sure if the $35 ($45 after parking) is justified unless you get a full balloon launch like I did and also take advantage of some of the free snacks/give aways. For example a family of four can pay $150 to only end up seeing a few (or no) balloons launched, which would understandably be frustrating. I took away a star because even if all the balloons are launched, I still think $35 ($45 with parking!) is a bit much. Maybe $20-25 and $5 parking. I mean you are paying to see the balloons launch (hopefully), everything else besides the free samples are pay-per item. Some though,may be more inclined to. For example, I think this is a must for any photographer. I know New Jersey's own "Unique Photo" offers a $100 package where you get behind the scenes at the festival and includes admission to the festival. You will unlikely gets these photographs unless you go the other larger festivals around the US. (I think Albuquerque is the biggest) I highly recommend the morning launch for lessen crowds and parking frustrations. Be sue to check the weather before buying tickets. Also I did not take advantage of any of the concerts they offered so I cannot comment on that. Overall I did enjoy going and got some great photos, but I don't know if I will return, unless maybe a band that I like is playing. There has to be some extra incentive besides the launch.

My family and I go every year. We love it! It's hot so bring your own shade.....

This year was particularly great. I was just sad that the booths closed up early.

Annual balloon festival in the state of New Jersey. One of the best. But please be aware of the weather. If the winds are a little high, balloons will not take off.

The balloon festival is always great to go to just be sure to check the weather sometimes it's good to wait they also have some great performances they had lifehouse perform this year the festival is always great theirs a lot to do just make sure your prepared bring lawn chairs blanket to sit on if you dont purchase the VIP or concert ticket

So much to do. The balloons were awesome. Very expensive tho

Very well run festival. Wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived but we all had a great time. Plenty of food vendors and games for kids. Bring an empty stomach and a full battery ready to take pictures when the balloons are set off.

This is really cool, but so so so crowded on the Saturday. The 630 balloon flights did not start till like 7:15 and there were absolutely no wind conditions. It's a really cool experience but for a family with a young toddler its overwhelming and pricey.

If you go to an event called the "QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning," what do you expect to see? I went to the festival several years ago and saw balloons - many. In between morning and afternoon launches, they were on the ground, and always in view. Many were inflated and quite the spectacle. I have about a hundred pictures that document this. It was a truly memorable event. This year, I there wasn't a single balloon ANYWHERE. $35 per person + $10 for parking is a total rip off.

Very expensive. 35 per adult in. Tickets for the ridea are 1 dollar per point. 50 dollars 50 points. Simple yeah? Each ride is 3-4 points so two people get 6 rides. Gid forbid you have 3-4 kids. At least 100 in and 100 on rides. Tjat does not include food. 7 dollar lemonade, 12 dollar hamburgers. Sorry but I feel like this is price gouging. Wont go again.....

Overpriced ticker, food, parking for a fair where they also show baloons near 10 something minutes. I have been to Bristol UK baloon festival. Balloon are a full day activity there. Had the similar expectation but the bubble didn't take too much time to burst. Parking exit management was abysmal. When I pay $10 parking I do not expect to wait for more than 1 hour to exit. They cared to mention that there shall be no refund in case of bad weather but did not care to put any contact number. Had to google that to call them regarding exit traffic. So as the raven said, nevermore!

Many great hot air balloons. Great staff and volunteer service.
Not sure why they charge fee to get in. I mean $35 seems kind of expensive just to walk around to small stores that they'd pay to shop at on Somerville main street.
I would understand if they charge you $35 to get close to the hot air balloon.

The daily ticket prices were $35 per adult and free for kids 4 and under. Parking is $10.

The balloon festival is a unique event.
My daughter's really enjoyed seeing the balloons being launched. They got do do activities like draw with chalk and go on a number of kiddie rides. We bought 55 tickets for $50.

It was a very hot day. It was very crowded. Make sure you bring a lot of water. We spent the afternoon there starting at 3pm and stayed until night fall. They had the advertised glow-in-the-dark hot air balloons.

What a great place to bring the family. There're activities, sights and sound for the entire family.

Beautiful hot air balloon show and festival. The largest North American got air balloon show.

First and last time I would go. The balloons were beautiful. However it took 3 horrible hours to get out of parking lot. No one to direct the thousands of cars exiting the parking. They charge $10 to park. Quick check should have used that money to hire police officers to direct traffic instead of pocketing it.

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!!! Bought the ticket earlier and planned to go today. It rains and the balloon will not go up. Called the custom service and the person told me that they will not refund the ticket even if the balloon will not go up tomorrow. Then they just hung up without any explanation.

You will spend a hundred dollar for family to get nothing if weather is bad.

Enjoyed the Balloon Fest so much ! This year seem to be more vendors out which is really nice to walk around & see what they're selling. Never mind the 2 shopping bags full of samples I came home with from all the stuff they were giving out, it was like trick or treat for adults !! What a blast !! Yes it was hot out but honestly it is July & its a hot month. Sad to see so many negative comments regarding exiting the festival. People what do you expect? Hundreds of vehicles getting out at once & one way out !! If you can't deal with this then just stay home & don't go out to festivals. We left about half hour before it closed & it took no more than 15 minutes to get off the grounds onto the main road. And of course the balloons were beautiful as always & free concert.. Can't beat it for a day out !!

first if I I could give O star I will ! Finally we safe to get home now is11:20 ... But our family is like a refugee.
the children are getting wet!
First we get the 5 adult tickets per 35$ and kid 15$ each . Balloon rider 250$ per each. 4 clock we received mobile phone alert says big thunderstorm and Heavy rain .we call the company s customer service nub 9738825464 we ask for is that Weather affect hot air balloon or if we wants to change for a day? The customer service answer is to resolutely not let us cancel, all the Guest must to arrive in place .so we take the risks to drive with terrible weather because of our $1300ticket if we don t show up that mine we lose money for weather !there is no refund if don t show up !if we wanna change Another dates we have to be in the price!!!!This is Ridiculous!!When we arrived, some staff said that due to the weather, the hot air balloon is cancelled and all refunds will be automatically to the account! The ticket for the day after tomorrow is already full. If we still have to sit tomorrow, we can only take a chance to see if there are any people who are absent! WTF ?
So what s the points for we have to be show up !for in be in dangerous weather drive back and forth four hours!! This is unbelievable. Is we have something happen in the road who pays Possibility?

Beautiful setting to watch the balloons rise gently in the evening. Open air concerts there are up close and personal. Simply delightful event!

My 5th time there and never had a bad time CCR was great!!!!

Why were there not so many balloons today? I'm very disappointed

Worth it to watch the balloons and concert. The food was just ok for the price. Lemonade was the worst; sugar water with half a lemon.

Awesome experience, great to take your kids to.
We were kinda bummed by the fact that some of the attractions there weren't included in the ticket given that it was fairly expensive, but it was nice and fun :)

It rained and flights got cancelled.though they stamped the tickets for visiting next day as well but balloon festival without balloons....money wasted..bad luck

I've gone 3 years in a row and this is the first year I got to see all the balloons go up. Unfortunately the hot air balloons only go up if the weather is perfect. I got lucky this year the weather was perfect. The event is great. I love all the free sample booths and the food is good. They need to work on their garbage problem though. The place was a mess. Not enough garbage cans and to many people littering.

Can't wait to go again! Beautiful balloons and lots to do.
Only thing that killed my experience was the constant smell of horse manure on the grounds... like whyyyy

Balloons were great, parking left a lot to be desired

We have been going 30 years this year, Love watching the launches.

We had a blast the last 4 yrs even tho last year was the only one we saw balloons launched, we go Saturday and stay 8 or 9 hrs. The heavy rains the last few yrs were awesome,like anything else,its what u make of it,u could complain about everything if u choose to....or have fun.

Not nearly enough balloons launched. Event is weather dependent of course. Over all it was a great event. Will definitely do it again. Great entertainment for the little one, as well as a lot of food choices.

Just the 30 min of watching balloons ascend was great. Everything else was absolutely horrendous. It's $35 entrance + $10 parking. Parking lot itself was spacious and tons of space but it took over one hour to get in (2 miles). Food stands were lacking based on size of this event. Leaving post event was even worse. No one was directing you where to go and it was a free for all. There were no signs and cars were just jammed in every corner they could find. Nearly two hours just trying to leave the parking lot. Unorganized and absolute chaos. NOT WORTH IT.

Love the festival hate the car situation leaving the fair. Could it be more assisted next year? Because this is ridiculous.

Also, bought online ticket for "cheaper" which came out to be $34 because of online processing fee.
On the day of the festival $35 ....
Parking is $10 which is whatever.
I don't believe this to be a good event for small children.

It was the last day of festival. Weather was awesome for balloon launching. Oh boy ... parking was really a hassle . Fair was ok not really much to do. It was free samples of beverages and candies everywhere. We bought the tickets on gate in 35$ wish we had book earlier in 24$ before starting of the festival online. Before 6:30 pm 5 to 6 balloon was in the air but after that sky filled with the different kind of balloons as they said you can witnessed 100 balloons at once. It was awesome experience actually my was the first one to see hot air balloon goes into the sky so personally I loved it. And yes 35$ is little expensive but they had given us opportunity to buy little cheaper. Next year surly will visit again. My 4 year old already asking when can we go again!!! .

It was awesome ...today we went to balloon festival.so many freebies available in stalls.
Atlast all ballons flown.those r very colorful

A lot of people, inside everything is paid and expensive, parking is paid. What is the essence of the festival? The same can be seen from paid parking !!

2019 balloon festival was a fun experience the next time definitely trying out the balloon ride!

Really expensive and deceptive Balloons were only at 6ish am and 6ish pm. Not clear at all on any information that I found. Expensive for a craft fair

This is a fun day for the whole family. Live music, crafts and food . I went with my dad before he passed away, and it was ine of my best days ever .

The balloon festival was great. We went last year as well but the balloons never went up coz of the winds. This year we were lucky! Paid 30 per person for the entry and 10 for parking. But theres tons of stuff given out free throughout the festival and paid areas for our toddler to have fun as well. Overall an afternoon evening well spent!

Second time here. Have VIP Parking. Highly recommend. You pay extra bucks. But you have the premium spot. Especially when you get out, No waiting in line.

Balloon festival was awesome. What a mess, What a mess, What a mess is coming out of the parking lot. No discipline at all.

Sunday morning's takeoff was pretty slow. The event wasnt too crowded, but it was a lovely place to sit and enjoy a day in fresh air with the family.

I went solo to take pixtures and videos, and was disappointed with only seeing about 20 balloons takeoff in the morning.

Not worth the $35 entrance fee + $10 parking, hopefully the other days were much better.

They didn't inflate all the balloons in the afternoon of the last day. I recommend going in the morning one, the heat was unbearable too. You guys should have a water sprinkler area because it's just too rough for families. It's too expensive for what you get. You literally just go to buy food and drinks.

Amazing experiance, exellent source of fresh air. Great stands, tuns of free stuff, great place/ event to go with family and or friends. Just an overall blast, beats watching tv anyday.

This is not the address of Quickchek ballon festival, the real address is 39 Thor Solberg Rd, Whitehouse station, NJ, also it's Solberg Airport

No. Balloons inflated to see the whole day, had to wait till 6pm for them to be inflated to see before mass lift

Festival was a total disappointment, I have bought tickets in advance and really looking forward to bring my family there. I understand that the organizers couldn't predict the weather, but they could ensure there was enough covered areas, they refused to refund , or ticket for another date. The parking lot was mess, no organization, bathrooms were not accessible due to over 2 feet of mud to get to them. After 4 hours in car in hazardous conditions and $150 dollars later there was no efforts made that customers were treated respectfully and properly.

Unforgettable experience! I had a great time looking at all the beautiful balloons. Nice music and lots of parking space.

Could do with more notifications on launch events, since ballooning is weather dependant would be great to offer ticket holders more frequent updates.. parking was well managed with staff however just a mess of mud!

Excellent festival with music, rides, and hot air balloons.

Total rip off, sat in hot sun for hours to see balloons go up in ten minutes. Took an hour and a half to get out of parking lot.

Spend a lot of money to get in. But it turns out "the weather was not right". Waste of time.

If everything wasn't so expensive I would vote more

Beautiful experience overall, lots of stuff to do for kids

My family and I had a great time. We took the advice of some other reviewers and what we found most helpful was... bring your own roll of toilet paper, eat at the Quick Chek tent, and cut through the lot to get out. You can bring your own chairs, blanket, and even small gazebo type of canopy. They don't allow outside food or beverages. Bottled water at the QC tent was $2, the 6 inch subs were $5, and bags of chips were $1.50. 24oz. domestic beer (Miller, Coors, PBR, etc.) was $6. We went in at around 11:30am and it was perfect. Got a great place for our chairs and blanket over by the stage and at that time, it wasn't crowded at all. We could here the band great. We could see them ok, but not great. It was still worth not paying for the closer concert tix. Go to the field, lay out your stuff, then go to the vendors. Bing a bag or backpack because they do give out a lot of free snacks. There was a magic show, human cannonball, and rides. We didn't do any rides so can't help there. All in all we had a really great time. If you follow the crowd getting out, yes, you will spend and abysmal amount of time waiting. But if you cut through lot, you will be out in no time. We were in the "D" section of the lot. Everyone was going out to the right, but we went left like a few others and it was a breeze. Lastly... bring sun screen and bug spray. Bugs aren't bad, have the spray anyway. Hope this helps and if you ever go, we hope you have a blessed time! Oh yeah... We did do the tethered balloon ride. $20 per person and you don't have to reserve a spot. It is only a few minutes of a ride, but if you start a conversation with the pilot and ask questions, you will stay up longer :)

Fun event everyone must attend at least once in your life. Put it on your bucket list. It's a balloon show combined with a huge fair, concert, and fireworks all rolled into one. Bring lots of cash for food and a blanket to sit on.

Some of the staff are rude. Soooo many people. No food and drinks are allowed to bring in, but no instructions are given when you purchase the tickets. Not worth the ticket price. Very disorganized. Exit took 2.5 hours.

The traffic leaving from the parking lot was horrible one hour sitting in the parking lot not moving at all. No cops directing cars out of lot. Unorganized

Decision to fly are by each pilot and some take more risks. If some balloons don't fly it is because the pilot made their decision as it is their butt in the air. Lots of freebies at the festivals.

Outdoor festival in a big field and no dogs allowed..... i will never attend again. No reason to ban dogs.

Lots of free samples. Fun to see the balloons go up. I wish they had more seating

A fabulous experience watching dozens of balloons ascend!

Awesome atmosphere. It was our first experience going to this festival. Kids enjoyed the balloon launch and the rides. Well managed parking and volunteers made it easy to park and get to the festival. The food stalls were a bit over priced IMHO but otherwise and thoroughly enjoyed the festival.

The worst organized parking for an event. It overweights any good impression of balloons themselves. Be ready to spend at least an hour and a half to leave the parking lot even if you leave the festival early.

But it was really hot everyone was looking for shade!!

I go there every year and it is fun although it is very expensive to go in, about $25 per person! But they have good food and you can get so many free samples of snacks! I think do the price we pay to get in, we should get more free fun.

It's way over priced but you can make a day of it and the balloons are a lot of fun to watch. They charge you $10.00 to park your car in the mud!