🎈 53rd Annual Helen Balloon Race  ·  June 4-6, 2026  ·  Limited Availability

Wake Up
to the Balloons.

Red Rose Cabin is 6 miles from the launch site. Stay somewhere worthy of the weekend, come back between flights, and end every evening on your private deck under the North Georgia stars.

Check Availability Limited dates remaining for June 4-6

About the Event

The South's Oldest Balloon Festival. Right in Your Backyard.

The Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race has been launching from this valley since 1974. It is the only long-distance hot air balloon race in the United States, with 25 balloons ascending from Helen and racing toward I-95, anywhere from Maine to Miami.

Balloons fly twice daily, at sunrise and sunset. No midday events, which means your days are free to explore Helen, hike the surrounding trails, or simply unwind at the cabin between flights.

25+
Hot Air Balloons
52
Years Running
2
Flights Per Day
6mi
From Red Rose

2026 Event Schedule

4
Thursday
7:00 AM, Mass Ascension and Race LaunchThe official start of the 53rd Annual Race. 25+ balloons lift off simultaneously in a mass ascension. Tethered rides available.
4
Thursday
6:30 PM, Evening Local Balloon EventLocal flyers take to the evening sky. Golden hour balloon viewing over the Nacoochee Valley.
5
Friday
7:00 AM and 6:30 PM, Local EventsMorning and evening balloon flights continue. Tethered rides and chase crew opportunities available to the public.
6
Saturday
7:00 AM and 6:30 PM, Final DayThe last flights of the 2026 festival. The perfect morning to wake early, drive the 10 minutes to the launch site, and watch the balloons rise over the mountains.
All flights are weather permitting. Balloons fly approximately 1 to 2 hours per session. Tethered rides and balloon inflation participation are open to the public.
Red Rose Cabin king bedroom with stone gas fireplace glowing warmly at night Oversized indoor jacuzzi tub in the Red Rose Cabin bedroom suite
6 miles from the launch site

Your Home Base

Red Rose Cabin. A Base Worth Coming Back To.

Most people at the Balloon Festival are fighting for hotel rooms in Helen. You will drive 10 minutes, come home to a jacuzzi, pour a glass of wine, and watch the sunset from your private deck. That is a different kind of weekend.

  • 🛁
    Indoor Jacuzzi SuiteSoak away a full day on your feet at the festival. The oversized in-suite jacuzzi is steps from the king bed.
  • ✨
    Private Candlelit DeckString lights, a gas firepit, cushioned seating, and the sounds of the North Georgia woods. Your evening debrief starts here.
  • ☕
    Professional Coffee Bar7:00 AM balloon launches require a proper cup. Nespresso, Keurig Duo, French press, pour-over, milk steamer. You are ready.
  • 🔥
    Stone Gas FireplaceSettle in after a long, beautiful day. The fireplace sets the mood for a perfect mountain evening.
Red Rose Cabin deck at dusk with string lights
Indoor jacuzzi suite at Red Rose Cabin
Stone fireplace at Red Rose Cabin
Vaulted ceilings in Red Rose Cabin bedroom

Reserve Your Dates

Book Direct and
Skip the Fees.

"The balloons fly twice a day. The rest of the time is yours. Make it count."

💰
Up to 10% Less Than Airbnb
No platform service fees when you book directly here. Same cabin. Same experience. Lower price.
📱
Direct Line to Our Team
Questions about the festival, directions, local tips? Book direct and reach us directly. No call centers.
🔑
Contactless Check-In
Your smart lock code arrives before you do. Drive straight in. No waiting. No front desk. Just arrive and exhale.
Limited availability for June 4-6, 2026
💰 Up to 10% off vs. Airbnb
Questions before you book?
(706) 809-5428 Email Us

Common Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Still have questions? Call or text us directly at (706) 809-5428.

Red Rose Cabin is approximately 6 miles from Helen, about a 10 to 12 minute drive from the festival launch site at Wilkins Property. You can easily drive in for the 7:00 AM launch, come back for breakfast, and return for the 6:30 PM evening flight.
Balloons fly at approximately 7:00 to 7:30 AM and 6:00 to 6:30 PM each day, weather permitting. There are no midday events, giving you the middle of the day to explore Helen, hike, or relax at the cabin.
Limited availability remains for June 4-6, 2026. Select your dates in the calendar above to confirm availability and complete your booking directly. Booking direct is faster, cheaper, and gets you in direct contact with our team.
Yes, always. Booking directly here eliminates Airbnb and VRBO service fees, saving you up to 10%. Same cabin, same hosts, lower total price. It also means you communicate directly with us rather than through a platform.
Yes. The public is invited to assist with balloon inflations and join as members of the ground chase crew. Tethered rides in a hot air balloon are also available to the public each morning and evening throughout the event.
Check-in is at 4:00 PM. Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Arrival is fully contactless via a secure smart lock code sent before your stay. No front desk, no waiting.
Check Balloon Festival Availability