Balloons & Booze

WHAT: The Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Festival
WHERE: Jefferson County, TN
WHEN: October 22-23, 2022 | 2 – 8 pm daily

FESTIVITIES: Hot Air Balloons! Local wine & beer tasting, food trucks, live music, a craft & artisan fair, wine garden, tethered and untethered rides, antique tractor show, and kids fair.

Jefferson County, TN ~ 30 minutes from Knoxville

Nine Lakes Wine Tastings – $20 per person

With nine lakes between two Appalachian mountain ranges — the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Mountains — the region of Middle East Tennessee called Nine Lakes creates a climate unique to anywhere in the United States. This climate is dominated by the “rain shadow” effect, offered by the geography of the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountain Valley of East Tennessee. This, combined with the lake influences, soil, elevation and physical features, imparts a special character to the grapes. Using grapes grown here, our skilled and talented winemakers

Drink Tennessee Wine

Local Beer Tasting – $20 per person

This year, several breweries who are part of the Knoxville Area Brewer’s Association (KABA) will bring beer tastings to our even. The largest association of professional brewers and craft beer industry professionals in East Tennessee is gathered under KABA. The organization is brewery-focused, but understands the collaborative nature of craft beer. Our members and affiliates know that brewing is about more than just the beer itself.

Drink Tennessee Beer

Wine Tasting
$20

Guests 21 & older can enjoy wine tastings from ten or more local Tennessee wineries. Each winery brings a selection of their favorite wines for you to enjoy. Commemorative glasses and wine totes are included in the price.

Morning Ascension Breakfast
$30

Guests 21 & older can enjoy a luxury breakfast experience on Saturday or Sunday morning during the event. Sip mimosas made with local Tennessee wine, eat local breakfast specialties, and watch the breathtaking mass ascension as the balloons fly over the Smoky Mountains during the sunrise. 

Beer Tasting
$20

Guests 21 & older can enjoy wine tastings from several Knoxville Area Breweries. Breweries who are members of the Knoxville Area Brewer’s Association will be on-site pouring tastings.

Elevated Experience
$120

Guests 21 & older can enjoy an elevated experience in the VIP tent. Local food and wine pairings, tented seating, specialty wines, and a fantastic view of the festival are included in the ticket. **Ticket includes one all weekend adult pass.**

Wineries in the Garden

There will be 10 different wineries showcased in our Nine Lakes Wine Country Wine Garden.  Click on the logos below to learn more about the various wineries!

Get in Touch

There are so many ways to become involved with the festival. Sign up to be a volunteer, learn about our sponsorship opportunities, or donate to the festival.

295 W. Dumplin Valley Rd
Dandridge, TN 37725

865-674-5276