Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloons

05/08/2026

05/02/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Luke Van Camp, Brittany Alana Cole, Colby Jones, Robin Hobbs Stubbs, Dave Fuller, Sherry Carter Smith, Joseph Wiley Wade Cole, Cheryl Apperson Mason, Loretta Campbell Spradlin, Daniel Parrish

04/26/2026

Good morning friends and neighbors, this rain is such a blessing. We are disappointed that hot air balloons will not be taking off this morning for safety reasons. Hot air balloons can not see through the fog. We will see you again next year.

04/25/2026

All flight activities are cancelled due to continued rain. We appreciate all the love and support of our community. See you at the next event.

04/25/2026

Pilots are on weather hold during this shower

04/25/2026

Pilots are going into a briefing right now to review the forecast and take care of preflight business. They should be entering the field about 6:30pm. We are monitoring the small systems that surround us and will do our best to put on a show for everyone tonight. In the meantime, stay hydrated with some fresh squeezed lemonade, enjoy some ice cream and listen to the music.

04/25/2026

What a beautiful launch of over 20 balloons taking off from Georgia Veterans State Park this morning. Vendors are open, food smells amazing. Music is filling the air. Enjoy your family fun until the balloons come back out this evening for a final glow

04/24/2026

This morning, 11 hot air balloons launched from Georgia Veterans State Park to start the 2026 Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Balloons Festival. They soared gracefully out over beautiful Lake Blackshear, putting on an incredible show in the early morning sky.
Some of the balloons made their way back and landed right in the event field, while others continued just beyond—giving spectators a full experience from launch to landing.
There’s nothing quite like the sight of balloons drifting over the lake to start a festival day. What an amazing beginning to a great weekend!