We’re not blowing hot air here, but these 10 biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world definitely are.
I’ve never been in a hot air balloon and I don’t plan to ever in my life. It sounds absolutely terrifying to float in the air in a literal basket. I’m not interested in that being the way I die. It also reminds me of the Wizard of Oz, which I despise. I’m terrified of heights and also I can’t imagine it’s comfortable to be crammed into a little basket in the air. I’ve heard the views are nice, but that’s what Google Images is for. I know they’re backed by science and everything, but I still don’t trust them, and honestly even watching a hot air balloon float through the air stresses me out. They’re cool, but I’m nervous about everything and I don’t want to watch a tragedy happen.
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That being said, if you’re the kind of person who thinks hot air balloons are super cool and funky fresh, this list of the 10 biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world is definitely for you. Hot air balloons date back to 220-280 AD in China where they were used for military signaling purposes. Modern hot air balloons are mainly used for recreation and came to fruition in the late 1950s. The hotter the air gets, the lighter it becomes in relation to the air around it, which is how these balloons are lifted into the air along with a basket and passengers.
Festivals are full of creatively designed and playfully themed balloons that not only look amazing but are fun to fly (if you’re into that sort of thing). They make for great photo opportunities if you’re into having a nice Instagram aesthetic. To rank the biggest hot air balloon festivals, we took a look at Real Property Management and Balloon Events, among others, and took into consideration the size of the crowd that gathers for each. The festivals with the larger crowds flew to the top of the list. Festival enthusiasts can keep reading our list of the 10 Biggest Film Festivals in the World, but those who just want to know about hot air balloons should definitely keep reading here first:
10. Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Estimated crowd size: more than 60,000
This annual event is held at the Omni Aviation Complex in Angeles City, Pampanga. More than a hundred ballooning teams from around the world participate in this event. Alongside ballooning, there are other events such as skydiving, flag jumps, microlight, and rocketry demonstrations that are a staple of this festival.
9. Plano Balloon Festival
Estimated crowd size: more than 90,000
Every September, Plano, Texas immerses itself in everything ballooning. The event has been going on for over 30 years. It’s probably one of the largest occasions in Plano. The events change from time to time, but you can definitely expect hot air balloon launches if the weather is right. There’s also a large Kid’s Fun Zone and a stage showcasing local community acts, as this event is used as a fundraiser by local nonprofits.
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8. Great Falls Balloon Festival
Estimated crowd size: more than 100,000
This event takes place in the twin cities Lewiston and Auburn, Maine. The balloons lift off from several locations scattered across both cities. It also includes several rides, concerts, and trade booths of all kinds.
7. Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Estimated crowd size: more than 130,000
Unlike the other events on this list of the 10 biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world, this is a single day event. It takes place in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. However, before the day of the event, the participating balloons offer spectators the opportunity to experience balloon glow, which is an event where spectators enjoy the scenery as the balloons light up the night sky illuminated by their burners.
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6. Balloons Over Waikato
Estimated crowd size: more than 130,000
This autumn event held in Hamilton, New Zealand runs nonstop for five consecutive days. The highlight is the opportunity to experience Night Glow, which happens on the grounds of the University of Waikato.
5. Adirondack Balloon Festival
Estimated crowd size: more than 150,000
The number 5 on our list of biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world is held once a year from September 17-20 in Glen Falls, New York. The primary purpose is the promote education in the sciences of aviation and aerospace.
4. Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
Estimated crowd size: more than 175,000
This event has been held annually since 1983 at the Holberg Airport in Readington Township, New Jersey. In 2012, the festivities (which include fireworks, food, and craft vendors) attracted more than 175,000 people and it continues to grow in popularity.
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3. Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Estimated crowd size: more than 200,000
This yearly festival, that is one of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world, is held in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada during Labor Day weekend. Apart from the obvious ballooning that happens here, the event also hosts different types of shows that could span well over 60 hours.
2. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Estimated crowd size: around 300,000-400,000
While this isn’t quite the largest balloon festival in the world, it’s the largest in Europe. It’s held every year in Bristol, UK. It spans four consecutive days during the start of August. Each day, about 100,000 spectators flock to participate in the festivities.
1. Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
Estimated crowd size: more than 500,000
You can probably guess from the name that this takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2000, 1,019 balloons registered for the event, but authorities placed a limit of 750 balloons since then. The event lasts for nine days, the longest period of time compared to other festivals on our list. It takes place in early October, and about 100,000 people visit it each day.
That concludes our list of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world. Float on!
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