Famous Hot Air Balloon Festivals around the World

Imagine a calm morning with hundreds of colourful balloons wandering across the sky. This is the beauty of hot air balloon festivals. People & pilots around the world come together to fly their balloons together. The view of hundreds of balloons floating across the sky is a breathtaking experience. It is a moment where you’ll get tired of capturing snapshots, but the sky keeps pulling you for more.

Famous hot air balloon festivals around the world

• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
  

  This is what people call the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world. It continues for 9 days & is a must-visit for many travellers. The Albuquerque Box is a special wind pattern that allows balloons to fly in a defined loop. Hundreds of balloons launch together in Mass Ascensions. You will see animal, cartoon, and even Darth Vader-shaped balloons. At night the balloons light up the sky in magical Balloon Glow. The night event is followed by fireworks. Also visitors may walk among the balloons and meet the pilots.

  • Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Timing: October

• Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, UK
  

  It is Europe’s largest annual balloon festival. The whole event takes place at Ashton Court Estate & lasts four days. Almost a hundred balloons launch together twice in a single day. During the night, the whole sky glows with balloon light in sync with music from BBC Radio Bristol. You will also find food, live & entertainment options at the venue. This is a perfect lively entertainment for families.

  • Location: Bristol, England
  • Timing: August

• International hot air balloon festival, Château-d’Oex, Switzerland
  

  This is one of the most beautiful winter balloon festivals in the world. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place at Château-d’Oex in Switzerland. The festival is celebrated in January & lasts for nine days. Pilots from different parts of the world fly the balloon in crisp mountain air. This festival is not only about celebration but also an ambience that gives an unforgettable experience.

  • Location: Swiss Alps
  • Timing: January

• Saga International Balloon Fiesta, Japan

  The Saga International Balloon Fiesta is Asia’s largest hot air balloon event. This hot air balloon festivals takes place in Japan along the Kase River in Kyushu. It attracts almost 800,000 visitors every year & lasts about five days. Almost 100 balloon teams compete with each other in various flying events. The festival’s major highlight is the Balloon fantasia, where you can see animal, cartoon and even Darth Vader shaped balloons. It’s a cultural celebration which blends tradition with creativity & entertainment.

  • Location: Saga, Kyushu, Japan
  • Timing: Early November

• Grand Est Mondial Air Balloons, France

  The Grand Est Mondial Air Balloons in France is also one of the most popular & largest hot air balloon gatherings. This is a 10-day festival celebrated every two years at the former NATO airbase in Lorraine. The main highlight is The Great line where hundreds of balloons take off simultaneously. It is really a breathtaking sight on a 6-kilometre runway.

  • Location: Lorraine, France
  • Timing: Every two years, Summer

• Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Australia

  It is Australia’s longest running balloon festivals & most stunning views. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular lasts for nine mornings. Balloons launch from Old Parliament House & drift across Lake Burley Griffin. It’s accessible for everyone to watch or take pictures of the golden hour. Visitors can also book the hot air balloon flight for a closer experience.

  • Location: Canberra, Australia
  • Timing: March

Final thoughts & highlights

Hot air balloon festivals are the events bringing simple skies to life. Whether it is deserts, mountains or city skylines, watching hundreds of floating balloons is an unforgettable experience. Try to arrive there early at sunrise to get the best views & photos. Dress in layers according to the season & weather. Don’t miss the Night glows, special shaped balloons & mass launches. Book your accommodation & trip in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.