SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL

Sat., Oct 24, 2026 {Rain date: Sun., Oct 25, 2026} • 4:30-7:30pm • Statesville, NC

Questions? Email us at info@equuvation.org.

Save the date to join us for an up-close-and-personal benefit HOT AIR BALLOON GLOW and HALLOWEEN PARTY event at the private facility of Equuvation Therapy + Education Center on Saturday, October 24th, 2026!

• 🌈 Up-close-and-personal Hot Air Balloon GLOW at a private farm 

• 🌌 Meet the ballon PILOTS and CREWS brought together by Air-olina Aviation

• 🍬 TRICK-OR-TREATING to each hot air balloon

• 🎶 LIVE MUSIC

• 🧙‍♀️ COSTUME contests

• 🎃 Pumpkin Painting contests

• 🎨 Face painting and temporary tattoos

• 📸 Farm-themed PHOTO “Booth”

• 🍦 LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS

ALSO!

• Allergy-friendly treats for trick-or-treaters

• Sensory-friendly accommodations

• Easy and free parking

• Safe and inclusive environment

• All proceeds benefit Equuvation’s Scholarship Fund, which provides no-cost mental health and therapeutic services for kids! Equuvation is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers equine-facilitated and nature-based therapies for all ages.

• All tickets are non-refundable.

Drone video from our 2022 event! | Photos from our 2022 event! | Photos from our 2023 event! | Photos from our 2024 event!

Please note: this event is not affiliated with the Carolina Balloon Festival in Statesville. This is a special event at a private facility with the purpose of raising awareness and funds in support of the health and wellness of our community.

This event is a fundraiser for a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All proceeds directly benefit Equuvation’s Scholarship Fund. No refunds.

A BIG THANK YOU to all of the balloon pilots who join us for this event!

*Your donation(s) help to support Equuvation’s Scholarship Fund, which provides mental health services for kids and families in need. Equuvation – a 501c3 nonprofit – was developed to be the catalyst for big ideas and innovative programs in any field of activity leveraging the horse-human connection. We offer equine-assisted and nature-based therapies and activities for all ages.

What is a Balloon Glow? A balloon glow is an event where balloons are set up at sunset in an open field and are inflated as if they are going to take off, but instead of being allowed to ascend, they are held down by the ground crew. The propane burners are ignited periodically to keep the balloons inflated with hot air. The balloons glow like huge light bulbs or Chinese lanterns, providing a spectacular display for guests!

GRAZE+GLOW FAQ

• Where is my ticket? When you placed your ticket order through BetterWorld, you received a receipt via email. This receipt serves as your ticket, but your name is also on our guest list! If for some reason your name is not on our list at check-in, please share an image of your receipt with our registration and sign-in crew (look for the table near the red wagon and event volunteers upon your arrival to sign-in). If you would like to confirm your ticket purchase ahead of the event, please email us at info@equuvation.org. 

• Are tickets available the day of the event? Why not? We do not have tickets available at the gate the day of the event. This is because we are a private facility, and we need the opportunity to communicate event details before everyone arrives! Also, we are very careful not to sell too many tickets (which we realize seems backwards!), so that we can keep our event small, special, and sensory friendly.

• Will the balloons be flying? No. This is a static display and glow. Participants can go from balloon to balloon to trick-or-treat and vote on costumes!

• What time is the voting for the costumes? All who wish to participate in the costume contest judging, please meet at Equuvation’s Horse Trailer station at 6:00p! Voting will take place, and the winner will be announced between 6:30-7:00pm.

• Where will the children's costume voting take place? All who wish to participate in the costume contest judging, please meet at Equuvation’s Horse Trailer station at 6:00p! The categories are:

  • Overall Best Costume

  • Most Colorful Costume

  • Most Creative Costume

  • Cutest Costume

  • Most Original/Unique Costume

• When will the voting take place for the balloon pilots costume contest? To vote for your favorite balloon pilot/crew costumes, drop your tickets into the clear envelopes that each hot air balloon will have hanging on their basket! Voting tickets will be counted at 6:45pm and the winner will be announced between 7:00-7:30pm.

• What time is face painting and tattoos open? 5:00-6:00pm ONLY. The station will remain open for those who wish to apply tattoos or face paint themselves!

• What are the hours of trick-or-treating? As soon as the balloons inflate, trick-or-treating begins, and runs through 7:30pm.

Other notes:

• Benefit Art + Merch Sale will run from 4:30pm-7:00pm.

• Sensory-friendly accommodations include free ear plugs available at Check-In Table, no crowds, and special parking. Please note: the hot air balloon burners DO MAKE A NOISE.

• NOT ALLOWED

• Pets – this is due to the noise created by the burners in the balloons and the risk of pets potentially being startled and running into the woods or out on the street. We love animals so please help us keep everyone safe by leaving yours at home. Service animals are always allowed. 🙂

• Hard-sided coolers.

• Smoking or vaping – we are a NO SMOKING facility, and we are currently experiencing a drought. Thank you!

• Firearms or weapons of any kind.

🌟 100% of donations collected at this event benefit Equuvation’s Scholarship Fund, which provides no-cost mental health and therapeutic services for kids! Rocky Creek Ranch is home to Equuvation :: Therapy + Education Center, a non-profit that provides services for individuals with disabilities; those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism; and those whose lives have been impacted by trauma, abuse or chronic illness. Thank you for joining us in caring for this property to honor the mission of what we do here daily! With gratitude, The Team at Equuvation