One of the biggest events in the Southern Tier is back. The 37th Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally opens on Friday after a year hiatus. Parking is available at SUNY Broome. There’s a shuttle to the festival, and masks are required on the shuttle buses.

Once you get to the park there is plenty of food and activities. There are new rides for big and little kids. The Spiedie Contest is on Sunday at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday there is an antique, classic, cool car and truck show. Day-of registration is available.

What You Need To Know

  • Spiedie Fest returns this weekend after a coronavirus-caused hiatus

  • Local singer Tezza will perform on Saturday

  • Admission is $7 per person

 

One of the biggest draws is the entertainment. Barenaked Ladies takes the stage Friday night at 6 p.m. Billy Currington is the main act on Saturday, and Martina McBride will perform on Sunday. Presale tickets for the concerts are available at the Johnson City Wegmans and the arena box office for $25, which includes festival admission.

 

Maine-Endwell grad Tezza will be performing on Saturday evening, ahead of Billy Currington.

“It’s weird to say, but I haven’t played live this type of show in over a year, which is what I do,” said the country singer who lives in Nashville now. “So it was a really strange thing to take off at time. And I cannot wait to be on stage, especially full band. We’ve been rehearsing all week.”

This is the second time she’s performed at Spiedie Fest. Back in 2019, Tezza opened for Hunter Hayes. She remembers coming well before that when she used to serve ice cream at a booth with her family.

Tezza said she is excited to be back with friends and family.

“I love like going and playing not knowing anybody too, just because it is a sea of people and eventually you just see people,” said Tezza. “But I think the difference is when you come home you get to look into the front row and you recognize people. My mom is always in the front, as you know, my sister, and my dad. And it makes such a difference, and it just makes for such a great show.”

After the concerts on Friday, the hot air balloons will inflate and glow. There will be a fireworks show. It is a photographers dream, organizers said. On Saturday and Sunday, about 20 balloons will take off at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weather permitting.

The festival is open from noon until 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 per person or free for children under 8 years old.