(READINGTON, NJ) -- While the balloons will always be the stars, music will fill the air more than ever at the 39th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning.  New this year: eight top-flight tribute bands will perform throughout the weekend on the Lottery’s CASH POP Summer Stage, a second performance venue providing attendees with even more music to enjoy.

New Jersey Lottery’s “Lottery Land” became an exciting new entertainment feature in 2021 and the spacious entertainment complex will once again be a destination and meet-up spot in heightening up entertainment at this year’s July 29-30-31 Festival at Solberg Airport.

Vegas McGraw (tribute to Tim McGraw) and Dance Candy (tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire) will perform on opening day, Friday, July 29. Mini Kiss (tribute to KISS), All Revved Up (tribute to Meat Loaf), and Simply Spice (tribute to the Spice Girls) perform on Saturday, July 30.  Vyntage Skynyrd (tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd), The B-Street Band (Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band), and Sugar Mountain (celebrating the genius of Neil Young) perform on Sunday, July 31.

“We’re excited to offer more of the music you love to an even wider audience,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman. “Lottery Land has become an exciting destination at the Festival. Having these top tribute and cover bands – longtime staples of the Jersey music and bar scene – will be a great addition to our live concert series and musical lineup.”

The Garden State, notably the Jersey Shore, has long been synonymous with cover bands and now the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America will be showcasing Jersey’s best bands as well as bands from around the country.

With up to 100 colorful hot air balloons filling the sky, multiple concert venues, family entertainment, fireworks and food all in one place, the Festival makes the perfect staycation for those looking to enjoy affordable outdoor family entertainment close to home.

The Festival’s 2022 headlining concert series on the Main Stage features Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Todd Rundgren, Kansas, Collective Soul, and Laurie Berkner.

To learn more about this year’s Festival or to purchase tickets, visit www.balloonfestival.com.