The Force will be strong over Lewiston this summer as the Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival (LABF) blasts off with a Star Wars theme at Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park. 

This year’s theme, “The Rise of the Balloons,” is an out-of-this-world experience for hot-air balloon lovers, cosplay enthusiasts, and families seeking an unforgettable weekend of fun, flight, and fandom. The LABF committee, a collaboration of staff and residents from the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, brings the intergalactic theme to life with 16 hot air balloons, including four special shapes that are sure to turn heads.

Schedule of Events:

6:00 AM: Balloon Launch - Simard Payne Park

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pancake Breakfast - Simard Payne Park - Big Tent

7:15 AM - 10:00 AM: Balloon Tether Rides - Simard Payne Park

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Parade - Click Here for Parade Registration

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Medieval Tent Activities - Simard Payne Park

Join the Society for Creative Anachronism, an immersive history group where you can experience tournaments, royal courts, feasts, and dancing, and learn how to recreate crafts and skills of the pre-17th century world.

All day activities include:

Fiber and arts demonstrations
Youth activities
Medieval Caricatures
Forge demonstrations

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM: Carnival - Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM: Food Vendors - Simard Payne Park

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Pups in the Air - Simard Payne Park

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM: Live Music: Jody Boys - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Jody Boys is a fun party band who cover great hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s with a few surprises from all over. If your looking to enjoy some good diverse music this band likes to rock!

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show - Simard Payne Park

Join us for an Artisan/Makers Fair & Trade Show presented by Maine Micro Artisans.

Hundreds of talented makers will feature crafted soaps, woodworking, crochet plush pals, candles, jewelry, artwork, handcrafted baskets, stained glass, pottery, embroidery, and so much more!

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Tour the Basilica - Pickup at LABF Entrance Oxford and Beech Sts.

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM: "Blue, Brews and Cruise" Classic Car Show - Festival Plaza and Main St. in Auburn

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Paint Party with Wicked Illustrations - Simard Payne Park

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM: Pups in the Air - Simard Payne Park

2:00 PM - 3:45 PM: Live Music: Bazinga! - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Bazinga! will energize the crowd with a dynamic mix of 90s hits to now hits, from alt-rock anthems to smooth R&B grooves contemporary favorites. It’s the perfect recipe for a high-energy concert vibe to put your dancing shoes on!

4:00 PM - 5:45 PM: Live Music: Ocean House Road Band - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Ocean House Road Band members grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s. We witnessed the greatest evolution of music in the history of the western world; folk music, Motown, rock and roll, folk rock, blues and yep, blues rock. We saw the great ones perform.

6:00 PM: Balloon Launch - Simard Payne Park

7:15 PM - 9:00 PM: Balloon Tether Rides - Simard Payne Park

6:45 PM - 7:30 PM: Live Music: Denny Breau - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Denny Breau legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter Denny Breau will mesmerize the audience with his flawless rhythm and stunning six-string guitar work, blending folk, Delta blues, country, and jazz effortlessly.

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Live Music: Motor Booty Affair - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Motor Booty Affair has  been lighting up stages across America with their 70’s extravaganza for several years, continually improving on the show that has been dubbed “The Ultimate Disco Party Band”. It is their mission to get the crowd groovin’ as they deliver hits from Earth Wind & Fire, The Bee-Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, Chic, The Commodores, Barry White, Abba and more. They will create an event you will never forget. Make sure you bring your boogie shoes because no matter how big the dance floor is - it’s always packed from the first song to the last!