The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free-to-attend three-day event, running from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August 2026. Held in the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate, just on the outskirts of Bristol’s city centre the annual festival continues to celebrate the city, and the remarkable world of hot air ballooning, as it has done since 1979.

As a not-for profit event it takes an incredible amount of year-round dedication by a small team of predominately volunteers to host this world-renowned event. We are incredibly proud that for the last 47 years we’ve stayed true to our constitution, to keep the event free.
While the Fiesta is free to attend, we rely on your support to help make this event possible. If you’re driving, please purchase an official car parking ticket. You can also enhance your experience by exploring our hospitality options. Businesses and organisations are invited to get involved through exhibition or trade space, or by becoming event sponsors.
If you walk up to our launches from Ashton Court Estate, or just love to see the balloons soar over your home and communities please consider making a small donation to help us keep this event free, and continue to put Bristol and ballooning on an international stage every August.




The Fiesta is free and unticketed, which is a key part of the ethos of the event. It’s accessible to all! If you would like to bring a car to the fiesta you will need a car parking ticket - these are non-refundable regardless of changes to the programme and weather.
This year there is no official campsite at the fiesta. We would recommend looking for a campsite nearby to Ashton Court to enable you to walk into the Fiesta each day and to enjoy the balloons overhead as you eat your breakfast!
Dogs are welcome at the fiesta however due to a busy site we ask that you please keep them on the lead and pick up any dog litter. Some dogs are also scared of hot air balloons as well!
Hot air balloons need very specific conditions to be able to fly which includes low wind. Many other factors also effect our ability to fly. The decision is made by our flight team at 6am and 6pm each day at the event and is announced in the arena and on our social media channels shortly afterwards. The event will go ahead regardless of weather so please do head down to enjoy the other activities at the event and support our traders.
