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About
Centralia Balloon Fest is an event venue at 1010 W Broadway, Centralia, IL 62801. Events include Hot air balloon flights, Tethered balloon rides, Balloon glow events. It is about 59 miles from St. Louis.
Centralia Balloon Fest in Centralia, Illinois, offers hot air balloon flights, tethered balloon rides, and balloon glow events. Founded in 1990, the festival has grown into a full weekend of entertainment featuring family fun activities and car and motorcycle shows. Attendees can enjoy free kids’ activities, lawn chair and blanket areas, and food and craft vendors. Official parking is available at Fairview Park Plaza, located at 1010 West Broadway. The event provides unique photo opportunities with hot air balloons, making it a popular local attraction.
- Address
- 1010 W Broadway, Centralia, IL 62801
- Phone
- (618) 532-6789
- Parking
- Official parking at Fairview Park Plaza, 1010 West Broadway, Centralia, IL.
- Counties
- Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington
- Highways
- Interstate 64, Interstate 57, Highway 51
- Distance
- about 59 miles from St. Louis (straight line)
About Centralia
Centralia is a city in Illinois spanning four counties: Marion, Clinton, Jefferson, and Washington. Founded in 1853 at the junction of two Illinois Central Railroad branches, it was incorporated in 1859. The city is known for its railroad origins, historic mining disaster in 1947, and large carillon with 65 bells. Centralia lies about 60 miles east of St. Louis and covers over nine square miles. Visitors can reach Centralia via Interstate 64, Interstate 57, or Highway 51. The Centralia Municipal Airport also serves the area, with rail lines owned by Canadian National. Nearby attractions include historic downtown architecture and parks like Foundation Park and Raccoon Lake, offering outdoor activities and scenic views.
Getting there
- Highways
- Interstate 64, Interstate 57, Highway 51
- Rail and air
- Centralia Municipal Airport serves the city; rail lines are owned by Canadian National.
- Nearest city
- St. Louis, Missouri
Around Centralia
- Centralia Carillon: A large carillon with 65 bells, ranked eighth largest worldwide, located in Foundation Park.
- Fairview Park Steam Locomotive: One of two remaining Illinois Central Railroad 2500-class steam locomotives on display.
- Langenfeld Hotel: Historic hotel established in 1912, featured on postcards and part of the Commercial Historic District.
- Centralia Sentinel Building: Houses the local newspaper and features Egyptian Revival architecture.
- Foundation Park: A 235-acre park with hiking trails, fishing ponds, disc golf, and hosts the annual Balloon Fest and Fantasy of Lights.
- Fairview Park: Features sports fields, tennis courts, skate park, swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
- Centralia Recreational Complex: Indoor facility with walking track, basketball courts, swimming pools, and exercise rooms.
Event ideas
Illustrative images, not photos of Centralia Balloon Fest.
Frequently Asked
- Where is Centralia Balloon Fest located?
- Centralia Balloon Fest is at 1010 W Broadway, Centralia, IL 62801.
- How do I get to Centralia Balloon Fest?
- Centralia is served by Interstate 64, Interstate 57, Highway 51. It is about 59 miles from St. Louis.
- What kinds of events does Centralia Balloon Fest host?
- Hot air balloon flights, Tethered balloon rides, Balloon glow events, Family fun activities, Car and motorcycle shows.
- Is there parking at Centralia Balloon Fest?
- Official parking at Fairview Park Plaza, 1010 West Broadway, Centralia, IL..
- What is there to see in Centralia?
- Places to see in Centralia include Centralia Carillon, Fairview Park Steam Locomotive, Langenfeld Hotel, Centralia Sentinel Building, Foundation Park.
- What are the dates for Centralia Balloon Fest in 2027?
- August 20-21-22, 2027.
- What is the location of the event?
- Fairview Park, 1010 West Broadway, Centralia, Illinois.
- Are the events weather dependent?
- Yes, all events are weather permitting.
- Is there an official parking area?
- Yes, official parking is at Fairview Park Plaza.
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