Submitted by the Event Organizer
Grab your copilots and soar into summer at this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival, happening July 19 & 20, 2025! This two-day celebration is perfect for all ages and promises a sky full of wonder.
It all begins with the breathtaking early morning “Glow Show”, where balloons light up the dawn like giant fireflies dancing in the dark. As the day unfolds, watch vibrant hot air balloons rise into the sky, painting the horizon with color. The air will be filled with laughter, and the mouthwatering aromas from local food vendors.
Join us for this year’s Hot Air Balloon festival, nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Sonoma County’s wine country, hosted at the iconic Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing spectacle of inflation and launching, where a kaleidoscope of standard and character-shaped balloons adorn the sky.
For those seeking an immersive experience, tethered rides* offer a tantalizing taste of the breathtaking vistas from a hot air balloon.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
- 4:00 AM – Gates Open
- 5:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Glow Show
- ~6:30 AM – Main Launch (Approx. 20 balloons participate)
- 6:00 AM – ~10:30 AM* – Tethered hot air balloon rides
- 4:00 AM – ~10:30 AM* – Food trucks, funzone, photo balloon, cold inflate
Sunday, July 20, 2025
- 4:00 AM – Gates Open
- 5:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Glow Show
- ~6:30 AM – Main Launch (Approx. 20 balloons participate)
- 6:00 AM – ~10:30 AM* – Tethered hot air balloon rides
- 4:00 AM – ~10:30 AM* – Food trucks, funzone, photo balloon, cold inflate
The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, a cherished annual tradition spanning two days, invites you to embrace the magic of balloons up close, from their captivating inflation to their majestic launch into the sky. Run entirely by volunteers, this event channels all proceeds towards supporting local charities, infusing every moment with purpose and community spirit.
Prepare to be dazzled by the Glow Show, where intrepid balloon pilots illuminate the pre-dawn darkness at 5:00 AM, transforming the fairgrounds into a mesmerizing array of larger-than-life multicolored lanterns, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. For those who prefer a later start, the Main Launch at 6:30 AM promises a breathtaking spectacle as numerous balloons ascend gracefully into the morning sky.
As the balloons grace the heavens above, indulge in a sensory feast at the fairgrounds, where a delightful array of food, music, and craft vendors await, ensuring a morning filled with culinary delights and entertainment until ~10:00 AM.
*Please note: Tethered rides require an additional ticket.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: $22.48**Advanced discounted adult tickets available until 7/15 at 11p. Tethered rides extra.
Categories:
**Annual Event**,
*Top Pick*,
Early Bird / Presale,
Fairs & Festivals,
In Person,
OutdoorsAddress: 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA
