Glow Big! Chennault Fest Brings Balloons, Music & Family Fun to Monroe
Mark your calendar for November 6–7, 2026.
Some family outings deserve a little extra room in your camera roll. Glowing hot air balloons? Definitely one of them!
Chennault Fest 2026 is bringing two days of live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and family activities to Monroe on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7. This celebration supports the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum—giving families a fun way to help preserve local history.
A Little Glow, a Lot of Wow
The festival plans to feature a hot air balloon glow each night, along with entertainment for all ages. Picture the kiddos watching those enormous balloons light up as your family enjoys an evening together. That’s a pretty spectacular answer to “What are we doing this weekend?”
Balloon activities depend on weather, including wind conditions. Tethered rides are referenced on the ticket page, with ride tickets purchased separately at the event. Check for updates before promising your little adventurer a ride.
Come Hungry—and Ready for Music
Food trucks and arts-and-crafts vendors will give families plenty to explore between performances.
The announced music lineup includes:
- Friday: Matt Dean, Chris Baker Band, Cal Presley Band, and Spare Parts.
- Saturday: Tammy Martin, Alyssa Freeman Band, Hog Wash, and Hidden Tracks.
Individual performance times and the detailed balloon schedule have not yet been published. Visit the official festival page for updates.
Plan Your Family’s Visit
When: November 6–7, 2026; gates open at 3 p.m. both days
Where: 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe, LA 71203
One-day general admission:
| Ticket | Price before service fee |
|---|---|
| Adult | $20 |
| Youth ages 4–16 | $5 |
| Military/first responder | $5 |
Online service fees apply. Adult VIP tickets are also available for $50 before fees. General-admission parking information is still to be announced. For admission questions concerning children younger than 4, contact the museum at 318-362-5540.
Purchase Chennault Fest tickets here.
Make It a Macaroni KID Adventure
Try these simple ways to add a little extra fun:
- Let the kids be the photographers. Challenge them to capture their favorite balloon color or a special family moment.
- Take a music discovery break. Listen to an artist your family hasn’t heard before.
- Give everyone a festival pick. Let each family member choose something to explore, hear, or taste.
- Bring a layer for later. Comfortable shoes and something warm can help little festival fans enjoy the evening.
You can also introduce the kids to the museum’s stories before your outing. Its collections explore General Claire Chennault, the Flying Tigers, Selman Field, and military service through thousands of artifacts. Explore the museum online to spark a few questions before you go.
Grab your favorite people, make a little room for wonder, and get ready for a glowing November adventure!
Details checked October 14, 2026. Check the organizer’s website for schedule, parking, and weather updates before attending.
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