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

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Lewiston Farmer's Market - Oxford St. & Cross St.

The Lewiston Farmers’ Market offers visitors a chance to connect with one another and shop for a wide variety of fresh, delicious, local foods and goods while fostering a vibrant downtown and building a strong community and local economy.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Family Fun Day - Simard Payne Park

9:30 AM - 10:15 PM: Pups in the Air - Simard Payne Park

9:30 AM - 6:00 PM: Pony Rides - Simard Payne Park

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM: Food Vendors - Simard Payne Park

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Live Music: Camp of Rock - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Camp of Rock will start your Sunday with the youthful energy of Camp of Rock. These talented summer camp students will perform rock classics from Heart, The Kings, The Black Crowes, and Led Zeppelin.

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Artisan/Makers Fair and Trade Show - Simard Payne Park

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 Entrance

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Live Music: Maine's Got Talent Top 3 Winners - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

12:15 AM - 1:00 PM: Pups in the Air - Simard Payne Park

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Live Music: Starky Sisterz - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Live Music: Rumor Has It - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Rumor Has It are all about having fun, engaging the crowd and playing music that everyone enjoys. They play a wide variety of music traversing decades and multiple genres!

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Live Music: Taylor Hughes - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Taylor Hughes is a New Hampshire homegrown country singer. He started singing when he was very young. His musical drive is to bring storytelling and traditional country music. He’s performed all around New England and has sold out performances at the Bank of New Hampshire stage.