Over the weekend of August 19 & 20, 2023 the Flying Circus of Bealeton, Virginia hosted their annual Balloon Festival. A plethora of hot-air balloons were brought in and inflated on the field starting at 7am, then began floating away as the sun rose. Once the balloons were away, the Circus' collection of vintage airplanes took to the skies, giving guests the experience of riding in authentic open cockpit biplanes. The rides continued throughout the morning, and I took the opportunity to cross "upside down in an airplane" off my bucket list by booking an aerobatic flight in pilot Rick Conn's PT-17 Stearman. Calmer flights were also available in Waco UPF-7s and Piper Cubs. In the afternoon, the Flying Circus put on their weekly recreation of an early 20th century barnstorming airshow with a skydiver, balloon popping, mock bombing runs, aerobatic displays and even a wing walker. I had a great time at the aerodrome and I highly recommend a visit for anyone with even a passing interested in aviation. While the Balloon Festival only happens once per year, they put on the airshow and plane rides every Sunday from May through October.
