If you enjoy balloon and air shows, the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival is just perfect for having lots of fun with your family. The festival is held in July every year at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in the breakfast capital of the world, Battle Creek, Michigan. RV camping is a fun way of making the most of your time at the event as you get to enjoy all performances, fireworks, and shows, with the freedom of returning to your cozy home on wheels when desired.
Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival is one of the most awaited events in the region ever since it was first organized in 1980. This is a four-day-long event brimming with endless air show action and excitement. Battle Creek is counted among the best and longest-running air events in North America.
The festival draws huge crowds who gather to behold the incredible spectacles in the air. The event has seen air shows with the F-22 Raptor Demo Team of the U.S. Air Force. Top civilian aerobatic pilots of the world present special effects, leave guests awestruck. In the evening, the Magical Twilight and Night Air Show mesmerize viewers.
Chase Crew Pit Stop is another unique activity that forms a major highlight of the show. In this competition, the competency and skills of the balloonists are put to the test as they race, deflate, and finally pack up the balloons in the shortest possible time.
There are also breathtaking fireworks and the Balloon Illume where tethered hot air balloons twinkle against the dark night sky. Apart from hot air balloon shows, it also features carnival games, amusement rides, military demonstrations, live performances, and monster truck rides for guests.
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival does not charge any entry fee for children under three feet in height. Festival admission passes are usually priced between $5 to $15.
Ticket sales typically go live after the festival line-up is announced in late winter. Guests should purchase a ticket as early as possible as the ticket prices usually increase as the festival dates draw closer.
All activities are subject to weather conditions, and the admission fee is non-refundable. Guests can visit the Field of Flight website for ticket pricing as the event approaches.
The City of Battle Creek is located in Michigan along the Interstate 94 Business Route, almost on the midpoint between Chicago and Detroit. Battle Creek is approximately 50 miles west of Jackson and 20 miles east of Kalamazoo. Guests should get in touch with the festival staff for guidance over local roads which might be preferable over GPS-recommended routes. Motorists can also check out the State of Michigan's midrive.com portal to know the current road conditions.
Parking is available at the festival grounds on a cost per vehicle basis via cash payments. Field of Flight festival management also permits camping with self-contained units on the grounds overnight for an additional fee. Due to the limited space, guests should secure their RV camping passes ahead of time.
Taking an RV trip is a great way to enjoy the festival’s diverse array of events. However, if you’d like to use public transportation to get to the festival venue, you could use the bus services in Battle Creek. Bus routes span the entire city but may not go all the way to the event site located at the W.K. Kellogg Airport.
The festival RV lot can accommodate a limited number of vehicles. RV campers should register themselves in advance as the campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests can also place small canopy tents on the event grounds in earmarked areas. Look out for the signage to locate the designated camping zones.
While staying onsite is a great way to make the most of the festival experience, you might want to stay at a campground closer to nature instead. How about a peaceful, relaxing RV campsite by a pristine lakeside? There are a number of beautiful campgrounds in Battle Creek and the neighboring cities Marshall and Albion. You can also check out the Calhoun Visitors Bureau for local RV camping suggestions.
You will encounter so much to do and explore at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. Guests of all age groups will find something that interests them, from balloon and air shows to souvenir shops and delicious food, there’s plenty to enjoy.
You’ll find yourself walking between the different festival zones, so carry a comfortable pair of shoes. In past years, guests have encountered a free shuttle to carry guests to the event grounds on prior request. The surrounding region offers nature trails, ancient historical sites, casinos, and mouthwatering cuisines.
With warm summer temperatures likely in July, you will want to pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for enjoying the outdoors. Pack in your sunglasses, caps, umbrella, and raincoats to protect you from direct sunlight and unexpected rains in the open spaces at the airport.
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival permits the use of electronic gadgets, professional cameras, binoculars, and speakers as long as they do not breach the security norms of the festival. Silent generators are allowed on the campgrounds. Note that regulations differ for what you can have at the campground area versus what is allowed near the viewing sites.
Remember to bring your insect repellant and sunscreen as you’ll be spending a considerable portion of your time outdoors. Water is usually available at the festival and on the campgrounds for a small fee. It is best to keep a water bottle with you at all times at this outdoor event. Mopeds, bicycles, and golf carts are not allowed on the event grounds. ADA accessible carts are also available at the festival's main gate.
Field of Flight does not allow guests to bring in any alcoholic beverages, but there are beverage tents inside that serve wine and beer. Carry your ID as only guests 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages. You can bring in your coolers after they’ve been inspected at the entry gate. No ground fires are permitted, though grills can be used on the campgrounds. The fuel used should be completely extinguished post-cooking. Grills are only allowed in the RV camping area.
A number of good restaurants and food outlets are available in the region. You will be able to enjoy a variety of different cuisines ranging from Italian and Mexican to Indian and American. Several pizzerias, pubs, and cafes serve delicious food and beverages, offering a good way to relax after cheering with the crowds all day long.
Guests can relish in the amazing variety of food offered by numerous vendors on site. You may encounter funnel cakes (for which the festival is well-known), ice cream sundaes, wraps, nachos, cheeseburgers, burritos, and many more delicacies. Apart from food vendors, you can also shop for craft articles from the crafters’ booths and pick festival souvenirs for friends and family from the souvenir shops.
For security purposes, flying objects and drones are not allowed at the venue. Airblown balloons and helium balloons are also not permitted. The use of fire sparklers and other fireworks is prohibited at the Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. Staff checks all baggage at the entry gate. Glass containers are not allowed at the campground or in the main areas.
Battle Creek typically has a pleasant climate in July, but severe storms can strike without warning during the summer months. In the event of inclement weather, guests should move indoors until the festival staff resumes the event. All festival activities and air shows depend on the prevalent weather conditions, and updates may come at the last minute. Check the latest weather forecast as you depart for Field of Flight.
Bring a basic first-aid kit with general medications and personal prescriptions. In the event of a medical emergency, get in touch with the festival medical staff or volunteers who are usually the fastest source of help. Follow the medical help signage on the event grounds to get to the first-aid booth.
