There’s something incredible enchanting about watching dozens of gorgeous hot air balloons rise into the sky at sunrise or twilight – or any time for that matter – making an impressive sight. These events truly astonish and are nothing short of breathtaking.
Many balloon festivals also include special events like tethered balloon rides and mystic glow shows – perfect for an exciting family outing apart from your regular online gaming entertainment through Yoakim Bridge! So make sure you attend one of these amazing balloon festivals in 2023 for an enjoyable family day trip!
1. International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Nothing captures the magic of hot air balloons like attending an incredible balloon festival. These unforgettable events offer visitors the chance to witness sunrise ascension or bask in a nighttime balloon glow – experiences not to be missed!
Are you in search of an unforgettable hot air balloon experience? Quebec’s International Balloon Festival at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu may just be your perfect solution! Running for over thirty years, this spectacular gathering draws both local and international pilots.
Just when it seemed the balloon festival could not get any better, this year brought additional activities and shows to keep everyone occupied and amused. Attendees can test their dexterity with balloon races or test their balance on a slackline – not forgetting an axe throwing contest and classic games such as Jenga!
Another spectacular event at this festival is the Mass Ascension, in which dozens of balloons ascend into the morning sky simultaneously – it truly makes for a captivating spectacle and will remain as an unforgettable memory.
Magic Nights, the final performance at this balloon festival, takes place during the nighttime hours and features a breathtaking display of balloons lit up like giant lanterns – an experience you simply must witness first-hand to believe!
Look no further for an unforgettable hot air balloon festival in North America than the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec – its colorful schedule and events make this must-attend festival worthy of inclusion on any bucket list!
2. Great Reno Balloon Race
The Great Reno Balloon Race is an iconic community tradition. Since 1982, over one hundred magnificent hot air balloons have graced Rancho San Rafael Park each morning of this world-famous race, delighting audiences of all ages with its breathtaking sight – sure to bring smiles and warm hearts alike. Don’t miss this remarkable event and bring your pajamas along too – guaranteed fun!
Every morning of the festival begins with an unforgettable Glow Show where hundreds of balloons illuminate in time with music. Crowds gather before sunrise for this remarkable display which will surely become one of your year-end favorite events!
After the glow show is the Dawn Patrol wherein several qualified balloons take flight in the pre-dawn sky – truly spectacular and an experience not to be missed when visiting Great Reno Balloon Race!
As well as mass ascensions, there is also a variety of racing and specialty shows that provide entertainment for people of all ages. One such race is the traditional Balloon Rush-Hour Race which follows in the tradition of Hare and Hound races by marking one balloon that drops an orange marker that the rest try to match within minutes. Another crowd favorite is the Balloon Glimmer and Glow showcase where pilots give fire boosts to their balloons for an unearthly glow that can be seen from miles away!
At this family-friendly event, pets should remain at home. Held September 9-11 from 9-11pm and running between 9-11am, temperatures can sometimes drop into the single digits so it is wise to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Parking isn’t available on-site so shuttle buses run every 30 minutes from Reed High School Parking lot as an alternative – random security checks will also take place throughout.
3. Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Canberra Balloon Spectacular, one of the longest running hot air balloon events, takes place annually over nine days each March at Old Parliament House lawns. Each balloon fills the sky, creating an unforgettable backdrop for our nation’s capital city.
At this event, guests have an unparalleled opportunity to witness balloons as they inflate – an exciting and amazing sight! Each morning from 6.15am to 7am pilots begin setting out and inflating balloons before 7am; most balloons should be in the sky by then. Over the years many unique shapes have flown at this event including T-Rexs, Vincent Van Gogh heads, windmills, tropical trees, turtles, Skywhale’s, Scottish bagpipers and frogs among others.
Watching balloonists launch their balloons at dawn is one of the highlights of this festival, offering breathtaking views as they emerge from the grassy field. Although launch sites have changed due to Covid regulations, there remain ample vantage points from which you can watch this fascinating spectacle unfold.
Balloon Aloft tours provide an unforgettable experience while seeing up close some of the region’s most breathtaking vistas and balloons up close! Enjoy live entertainment, delicious local fare and more than 200 local restaurant offerings at their festival. Experience ballooning like never before by booking your spot on one of their tours! You won’t be able to see all that beautiful scenery without them either!
4. Paris Balloon and Music Association
Balloon festivals are truly breathtaking experiences, from their brightly-colored balloon sculptures to sunrise ascensions and evening balloon glows – it is sure to leave an unforgettable memory behind! Be it cheering for skilled pilots competing in world’s largest hot air balloon races or strolling among sky-high works of art at special shape rodeos; nothing compares with spending an unforgettable day or night at one of these remarkable events!
If you’re in England and searching for an event to satisfy all of your balloon festival needs, look no further than the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Held over three days each August at Ashton Court Estate outside of Bristol city center, it features more than 130 different balloons from around the globe as well as family-oriented activities like carousels, balloon pits for younger attendees, food stands and stores selling food to keep everyone satisfied and content.
Paris Balloon and Music Association holds an excellent family friendly balloon festival each year in Texas. Attracting concertgoers of all ages, its event offers concerts, a 5K run, tethered balloon rides (if weather allows) as well as food vendors. There is also an educational flight simulator and display of vintage balloons from early 1900’s eras at this festival.
If you’re seeking something truly awe inspiring, make your way to Lake Havasu City Balloon Festival 2022. This one-of-a-kind festival boasts activities you won’t find elsewhere such as safari-themed animal shows, live rock bands and an inflatable zone; additionally there will be food vendors, games and activities and an evening balloon glow display!
5. Lake Havasu City Balloon Festival
Lake Havasu City Balloon Festival, one of Arizona’s hidden gems, draws tourists from near and far each year. Visitors can witness hot air balloons float above London Bridge and Lake Havasu during this annual event, along with 5K runs, dog shows, arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, live stage bands and so much more!
This three day festival is not only beautiful to look at but it’s also highly beneficial to the local community, raising money for charities while benefiting it in other ways.
Visitors from all around the country and world come together at this event, attracting thousands of attendees who provide plenty of entertainment for all members of their families. Balloons provide the main draw at this festival; during the daytime they fly freely; in the evening, however, they’re tethered and illuminated – plus concerts by local artists are hosted as part of this spectacular experience!
Experience all of the festivities by purchasing a ticket at the entrance, which grants general admission, free access to Kids Zone and Family Fun Trail as well as tickets for tethered rides that lift you high above and allow you to view the balloons directly below.
Lake Havasu City Balloon Festival takes place each January, so if you plan on attending, make sure you book accommodations early as the area can become very crowded during this period. Even if you can’t make it this year, be sure to visit in future years; you won’t regret it!