For the first time in 30 years, hot air balloons once again filled the skies above Eiffel Tower Park.
On Saturday, September 5, an estimated 24,400 visitors made their way to the park for Glow Over Paris! Hot Air Balloon Festival, turning the park into a busy gathering place throughout the evening.
Hosted by the City of Paris Parks Department and sponsored by the Henry County Tourism Authority, Glow Over Paris! was a community-wide effort made possible through the support of City staff, volunteers, and community partners.
“Seeing Eiffel Tower Park with hot air balloons again after three decades was nothing short of magical,” said Tara Wilson of the Henry County Tourism Authority. “Bringing back an event that meant so much to our community for generations and seeing a whole new generation experience that same awe, made the return of the Glow Over Paris Hot Air Balloon Festival a breathtaking, unforgettable success. Thank you Henry County Tourism Authority, City of Paris Parks Department, and all the incredible volunteers who made this happen!”
And despite the heat and the crowds, the atmosphere really was something special.
Emily Berry, Recreation Program Coordinator with the City of Paris Parks Department, described the evening:
“You know it’s something special when it can distract you from the heat, the lines, and the crowd. There was definitely an electric feel as the day turned into night, the band started up, and the balloons glowed in the distance.”
A Regional Attraction
The turnout showed that Glow Over Paris! was more than a local event.
Nearly 7 out of every 10 visitors came from outside Paris, with 48.9% traveling approximately 10–50 miles and another 19.8% traveling more than 50 miles to reach the event.
That regional reach is an important part of what made the evening significant for Paris. Visitors were not only coming to Eiffel Tower Park, but traveling from surrounding communities to experience something unique.
The impact continued after visitors left the park. Placer.ai visitor journey data shows that 44% of visitors went to eat in Paris afterward, while another 14.5% visited a store. This indicates that the event brought visitors into Paris who had opportunities to explore and spend time in the community beyond the park.
Bringing the Glow Back
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed live music from Saved By the Music, food trucks, tethered hot air balloon rides and the free Splash Park. As darkness fell, the hot air balloons began to glow, creating the moment many visitors had come to see.
For many in the community, the return of the balloons also brought back memories of the last time they filled Eiffel Tower Park three decades ago. For others, especially younger attendees, it was their first time experiencing the sight.
Making an event of this size possible took more than the attractions themselves. City of Paris Parks Department staff and volunteers were an important part of the event from preparation through the end of the night, helping the park accommodate a large regional crowd and supporting the event as visitors arrived, stayed and made their way home.
The success of Glow Over Paris! also gives the City valuable information for future large-scale events at Eiffel Tower Park. Visitor patterns and peak activity can help guide future planning for parking, traffic, public safety, restrooms, food vendors and other park infrastructure.
The City of Paris is proud to have been part of bringing hot air balloons back to Eiffel Tower Park and grateful to the Henry County Tourism Authority for bringing back this event.
After 30 years, the balloons are back — and Eiffel Tower Park proved it was ready to welcome them.
