Hot-Air Balloon Festival July 7-9 in Poughquag

POUGHQUAG, N.Y. » The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival July 7-9 at Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Lane. More than 80 launches are planned Friday evening starting at 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday starting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The festival will feature hayrides, food vendors, a tap room, bakery and farmer’s market, fire pits, ball toss, and live music. Moon Glow and fireworks displays will light up the night sky Friday and Saturday. Helicopter rides and hot-air balloon rides are available for a fee in advance. Admission to the morning launches is free; gates open at 5 a.m. Admission to the festival starting at 10 a.m. is $10 Friday and Saturday in advance (a limited number of tickets will be available at the gate for $12) and $5 Sunday (available at the gate only). An all-access weekend pass is available for $17.95 until July 1. Both on- and off-site parking are free.