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Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in partnership with Albert Goodman is due to return Friday, August 7th to Sunday, August 9th, 2026
This world-famous event is free to attend and celebrates Bristol’s proud ballooning heritage with over 100 hot air balloons from across the globe.
Now in its 48th year, this iconic event has been a steadfast in the UK’s event calendar for almost five decades. The city of Bristol plays the best matched host as the birthplace of ballooning in Europe, and now the capital of the sport worldwide.
What Is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?
Held at Ashton Court Estate, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2026 is a three-day festival filled with mass balloon ascents, live music, family fun, and spectacular night displays. It’s one of Europe’s largest ballooning events and a highlight of the UK summer festival calendar.
Tickets and Parking Information
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is free to attend.
However, as a not-for-profit organisation, but visitors are encouraged to support the not-for-profit Fiesta by using official ticketed car parks or upgrading their visit with hospitality packages.
Event Highlights at Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Mass Ascents
As ever, the Fiesta’s signature mass ascents are at the heart of the programme, which see up to 100 hot air balloons take to the skies at dawn (approximately 6am) and dusk (approximately 6pm) daily, weather permitting.
Details of the 2026 balloon line-up, including the ever-popular special shapes will be revealed in the coming months. In 2025 the special shape balloons included the UP balloon, Astro the Alien, Rupert the Bear and Slick the Dragon, plus the incredible 143-foot tall Oggy the Friendly Dragon.
The Night Glow
Experience a magical spectacle as dozens of hot air balloons light up in time to music produced by BBC Radio Bristol on Friday and Saturday nights. This breathtaking display is one of the most iconic moments of the Fiesta.
In The Clouds Immersive Balloon Experience
In The Clouds will allow visitors to step inside a cold-inflated hot air balloon, regardless of weather, and be captivated in an immersive experience as film, audio and lighting tell the story of the history of ballooning in Bristol, and the magic of flight. The exhibit is delivered in partnership with SLX, CMC Marquees, Cameron Balloons and BBC Bristol.
Live Entertainment & Family Fun
The weekend will include displays from motorcycle display teams, model aircraft demonstrations, historic balloon displays, model hot air balloon parades, demonstrations from Avon and Somerset Police Dogs, and a showcase from Bristol-based balloon manufacturer Cameron Balloons.
Dine with Pasture Restaurant
Bristol-founded restaurant Pasture returns to the event with a premium ticketed dining experience to the heart of the action. Their ticketed restaurant overlooking the main arena will be serving up a curated menu, or for a more casual option, try grab-and-go dishes from PRIME,adjacent to the main tent. Reservations can be made in advance via the Balloon Fiesta website.
New for 2026 - Pony Farm Bus
A new addition for 2026 will also see the Pony Farm Bus, a joint project by The Pony restaurant and food distributor Arthur David, make one of its debut event appearances. The converted double decker bus will teach visitors about food provenance and offer food related workshops over the event weekend.
Moon Stage
Watch live music performances throughout the weekend from fresh local talent, curated by BIMM Institute Bristol.
Brizzle Kicks Stage
Enjoy daily children’s entertainment, hosted by returning favourites Party Peeps, ranging from magic shows and foam parties to dance-offs and prize giveaways.
The Elevation Hub
The James Dyson Foundation will return to run the Elevation Hub, inspiring the next generation and offer visitors the chance to get hands-on with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities and challenges and engage with Dyson engineers.
Still to be confirmed for 2026:
Meet the Pilots Interactive Experience
Meet the Pilots is returning with extended sessions, where visitors can step inside the arena for a hands-on tour of how a balloon is prepared for flight, jump into a real basket, try out a burner blast, and take the ultimate ballooning selfie with a balloon team.
Love Squared Family Tent
Head to the colourful tent for a mix of creative activities, including arts and crafts, face painting and hair braiding. Adults are invited to take on a cycling challenge to help raise funds for the charity’s community work.
Daily Programme and Schedule from 2025
Friday 8 August 2025
The weekend started with over 100 hot air balloons taking to the skies. The main arena was buzzing all day with balloon-themed fun, stunt displays, marching bands, and more. As night fell the breathtaking Nightglow took place, a magical display of glowing balloons set to music from BBC Radio Bristol.
Saturday 9 August 2025
On Saturday the skies filled with over 100 hot air balloons in mass ascents at dawn and dusk. From interactive challenges and tethered balloons to live music and family fun, there’s was something for everyone. Cameron Balloons took over the arena on Saturday afternoon with a line-up demonstrating the different shapes and styles of hot air balloons they manufacture in Bristol. The day was rounded off with the spectacular Nightglow, dozens of balloons lit up in time to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol.
Sunday 10 August 2025
Wrapping up the Fiesta weekend on Sunday, with the final day of mass balloon ascents filling the sky with colour. A packed day of entertainment, including Meet the Pilots, stunt displays, and live music on the Brizzle Kicks and Moon Stages.
Book Hot Air Balloon Flights
How to Get to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
By Train
For visitors coming from further afield, Fiesta goers can travel by train with GWR. The closest train station to Ashton Court Estate is Bristol Temple Meads, which is served by the Fiesta Shuttle Bus to easily plan direct onward travel to the Fiesta. Use a Railcard and get a 1/3 off train tickets, or those travelling in a group can get 1/3 off ticket prices with GroupSave. Or why not extend your trip and stay until Monday - The Long Weekender ticket from GWR saves you over 50% compared to an Anytime Return.
By Shuttle Bus
In partnership with Stagecoach, a Fiesta Shuttle Bus will run between Bristol Temple Meads, Queen Square (Prince St, Stop Q2) and Balloon Fiesta, to transport visitors directly to and from the event.
Adult £7.50
Child £5.00
Group (up to 5 people) £21.00
The service will run on Friday from 10.00am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and from 10.30am until 11.30pm back to Bristol Temple Meads. On Saturday, the service will run from 10am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and run return journeys from 10.30am to 11.30pm. On Sunday, the service will run from 10am until 7pm to the Fiesta and return journeys will operate from 10.30am until 9.30pm.
To ensure you secure your spot, we strongly recommend booking your shuttle bus tickets in advance, which can now be booked via www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
By Car
For those planning to drive, car parking, sponsored by GoSkippy, must be booked in advance.
From those planning to attend a morning mass ascent, both the Blue and Red Car Parks open from 5am. The Blue Car Park is the closest car park to the Fiesta site, just a short walk from the main arena. The Red Car Park is the main public car park and there is a walk downhill to get to the Fiesta site, entering at the top of the arena. Disabled and motorbike parking is also available, accessed via Orange Gate. Last entry to all car parks is strictly 5pm.
There will be various road closures and diversions in place to keep traffic moving around the site during the event, so drivers are urged to follow traffic signs, rather than sat navs.
By Taxi
Visitors arriving by taxi should ask their driver to follow the road signs to the designated drop-off/pick-up location at the Long Ashton Park and Ride point. This location is a short walk from the event site. Please note that this area is only operating as a drop-off/pick-up point during the Fiesta, and you will not be able to park your vehicle here.
By Bicycle
Cyclists can take the 'Festival Way,' a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, cyclists can use the National Cycling Route 33, which takes them on a traffic-free path from Queens Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. Upon crossing the River Avon, you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court.
Bike parking is available on-site by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park. Please note that these routes are shared with pedestrians and can get busy so please ride carefully and dismount as you arrive into the site.
On Foot
For those on foot, there are two main routes into the Fiesta site from Bristol City Centre: via Festival Way or the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Festival Way, Route 33 on the Cycle Route Network, offers a scenic walk from the city centre. Please note these routes are shared with cyclists, so take care during busy periods.
For more information and to book your travel arrangements, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.
Visitor Information & FAQs
Do I need to book tickets for the Balloon Fiesta?
The event is free and unticketed for everyone. If you would like to bring a car to you will need a car parking ticket - these are non-refundable regardless of changes to the programme and weather.
Where can I pick up the shuttle bus?
The Fiesta shuttle bus runs from Bristol Temple Meads station and Queen Square in the City Centre (Prince Street, Stop Q2) to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate. This service runs from 10:00am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with return journeys running until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday. Tickets for the Shuttle Bus service are available now.
Is it possible to walk to the Balloon Fiesta from Bristol City Centre?
There are two main routes into the Fiesta site; via Festival Way or via the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It takes approximately an hour to walk to Ashton Court Estate from Bristol City Centre, or around 40 minutes from Clifton Village.
Where can I park?
Car parks will be clearly signposted on all routes into the Fiesta - all car park tickets must be purchased in advance and are single entry only. Disabled parking is available via the Orange Gate, which is the closest parking to the launch field. A Disabled Blue Badge Parking Permit will be required to park within this area and the permit holder must also be present. Please note that Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone. This may affect your journey to the Balloon Fiesta.
Can I bring my dog to the Fiesta?
Dogs are welcome at the event; however, it can get very busy, so please keep them on the lead and pick up after your dog.
Is there a map of the Fiesta site?
You can view a site map here, which shows car park locations, viewing areas, toilets and food & drink.
How do I book a hot air balloon ride?
Each morning and evening of the fiesta, you can join one of the fiesta's balloon operators to take off from the festival site (weather depending). Book a balloon flight with Fly Away Ballooning, Virgin Balloon Flights, or one of the other Balloon Ride providers.
Plan Your Visit
For the latest news and updates follow the Fiesta’s social media channels, @bristolballoon on Instagram, X and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.
