Car parking and hospitality tickets available now.

About the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

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.

Help us fly

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.

Tickets

The event is free to attend but as a not-for-profit organisation we do charge for car parking to help cover our operational costs.

By purchasing your car parking, and, or one of our hospitality packages you are helping to protect the Fiesta.



Thank you for your support.

buy car park

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buy hospitality

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What's
on

Friday

Start your weekend on Friday 8th August, and witness over 100 hot air balloons take to the skies in two stunning mass ascents, weather permitting at dawn (approx. 6am) and dusk (approx. 6pm). The main arena will be buzzing all day with balloon-themed fun, stunt displays, marching bands, and more. As night falls, don't miss the breathtaking Nightglow — a magical display of glowing balloons set to music from BBC Radio Bristol.

See Schedule

saturday

Spend your Saturday at the Fiesta on 9th August, with the skies set to fill with over 100 hot air balloons in mass ascents at dawn and dusk, weather permitting. From interactive challenges and tethered balloons to live music and family fun, there’s something for everyone. Round off the day with the spectacular Nightglow — as dozens of balloons light up in time to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.

See Schedule

Sunday

Wrap up the Fiesta weekend on Sunday 10th August, with our final day of twice daily mass balloon ascents filling the sky with colour, weather permitting. Enjoy a packed day of entertainment, including Meet the Pilots, stunt displays, and live music on the Brizzle Kicks and Moon Stages.

See Schedule

Special thanks to our partners

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