Natchez Balloon Festival Schedule: *all events are weather permitting Friday - October 18: 5:00 PM - Festival Gates open Dusk - Balloon Glow 7:00 PM - Fireworks over the river 8:00 PM - John “Papa” Gros takes the stage 9:15 PM - The Allman Betts Band takes the stage Saturday - October 19: 1:00 PM - Artists market and carnival open 2:00 PM - Festival Gates open 3:00 PM - Maggie Brown takes the stage 4:15 PM - The B3 on stage 5:30 PM - Mr. Sipp begins his set 7:00 PM - Cowboy Mouth performs 9:00 PM - Bishop Gunn takes the stage Sunday - October 20: 12:00 PM - Artists market and carnival open 1:00 PM - Festival Gates open 2:00 PM - Matt Willis and Co. take the stage 4:00 PM - Chris Gill and The Sole Shakers perform Balloon Flights: Friday - Morning Saturday - Morning and Afternoon Sunday - Morning and Afternoon