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

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Food Vendors - Simard Payne Park

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival - Lincoln St. Lewiston, near Station Grille

4:00 PM - 8:00 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!

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Medieval Tent Activities - Simard Payne Park, Ampitheater

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.

Friday’s Activities include fiber and arts displays and medieval caricatures.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Live Music: Country Roads - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Hailing from Southern Maine, Country Roads delivers the best of today’s modern country, covering hits from Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Johnny Cash, and more. Whether you’re two-stepping, line dancing, or just singing along, this high-energy performance is all about great music, good company, and plenty of fun.

6:00 PM: Balloon Launch - Simard Payne Park

6:15 PM - 9:00 PM: Balloon Tether Rides - Simard Payne Park

6:45 PM - 7:15 PM: Live Music: Violinist Mavy Ho-Le - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

At 21 years old, Mavy Ho-Le is undoubtedly an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with in the instrumental world. Her unique styles of performing combined with choreographed numbers makes her stand out from a traditional classical string setting.

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Live Music: Traveller - The Chris Stapleton Experience - Main Stage at Simard Payne Park

Traveller is a music project dedicated to re-creating the music of Chris Stapleton. These A-list seasoned musicians got together and put together a show that will have you screaming for more. From Alec Antobenedetto’s uncanny vocal resemblance to Chris Stapleton, Tina Daurizio with her magical Morgane Stapleton background vocal harmonies, Leo Melanson’s amazing pedal steel tapestries, Jay Tullio’s whiskey-tinged guitar lines, Kyle Murphy’s weaving of Acoustic Guitar & background vocals, Dave Hines velvety smooth bass lines to world-renowned drummer Joe Donnelly laying down the foundation of this band. This show will have you screaming for more long after it’s over.

8:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Moon Glow Primary - Simard Payne Park