There’s really nothing quite as winsome and whimsical as a hot air balloon. And an entire sky filled with hot air balloons? Now that’s absolutely magical! Mark your calendars, because hot air balloons will be soaring at Kentucky’s Gaslight Festival in Jeffersonville on Sept. 17. What started in 1969 as a small street party has turned into one of the most beloved and attended festivals in the region. Hosted by The Chamber Jeffersontown, Kentucky’s Gaslight Festival draws over 200,000 visitors to Jeffersontown every year, and the balloon glow is the fest’s most extraordinary feature.

Each year, thousands of Kentuckians flock to Jeffersontown for the most marvelous commemoration of summer’s end.

Gaslight Festival - Official/Facebook

The Gaslight Festival in Jefferson has become a treasured tradition in The Bluegrass State; an early-awaited milestone each year.

Gaslight Festival- Official/Facebook

It’s one of the most family-friendly events in the state, offering lots of good, old-fashioned fun.

Gaslight Festival - Official/Facebook

A quintessential Kentucky summer thoroughfare, the Gaslight Festival has grown into a week-long event, featuring rides, a parade, race, delicious food – and a balloon glow.

Jeffersontown Kentucky

Traditionally held the third week of September, this year’s festival takes place Sept. 12-19 around Gaslight Square in Jeffersontown.

Gaslight Festival - Official/Facebook

In the past, festivalgoers would arrive early to see the balloons come to life, watching as the crew set up these fantastic floats.

The Chamber Jeffersontown/Facebook

This year, however, the balloon glow will be operating as a drive-thru event on Sept. 17.

Jeffersontown Kentucky

The drive-thru event begins at Indiana Wesleyan University, where spectators will line up as they eagerly await the fall of dusk.

The Chamber Jeffersontown/Facebook

And then the magic happens: the night sky is aglow with a sea of winsome luminaries.

Jeffersontown Kentucky

As the sun sets on summer in The Bluegrass State, the Gaslight Festival really is the most memorable way to mark the changing of the seasons.

The Chamber Jeffersontown

This magical event is something you can only experience in The Bluegrass State. This year, Kentucky’s Gaslight Festival is slated for Sept. 12-19, with limited activities during the week, and the balloon glow operating as a drive-thru event and Sept. 17. Admission is $10/carload, and cars are asked to line up at Indiana Wesleyan University, 1500 Alliant Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40299, where they’ll then get to cruise through a whimsical wonderland of hot air balloons.

Gaslight Festival - Official/Facebook

Gaslight Festival- Official/Facebook

Jeffersontown Kentucky

The Chamber Jeffersontown/Facebook

The Chamber Jeffersontown

Kentucky’s Gaslight Festival glow aside, Jeffersontown is a delightful destination any time of the year, home to an adorable B&B and especially charming brewery!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 1500 Alliant Ave, Louisville, KY 40299, USA