Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026: Dates, timings, Nightglow, parking and everything visitors need to know

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is back for its 48th edition, bringing more than 100 hot air balloons from around the world to Ashton Court Estate from **August 7 to August 9, 2026**. As one of Europe's biggest hot air balloon festivals, the free event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors with its famous dawn and dusk mass ascents, spectacular Nightglow displays, live entertainment and family-friendly attractions.

Visitors can watch colourful balloons take to the skies twice a day during the festival's signature mass ascents, weather permitting. Balloon teams from the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico and the United States will participate. The launches can also be tracked live through the festival's Flight Control system from take-off to landing.

One of the biggest highlights is the popular Nightglow event on Friday and Saturday evenings, when dozens of illuminated balloons light up in sync with music, creating one of the festival's most memorable spectacles.


Beyond the balloons, visitors can enjoy live music, family entertainment, interactive science activities, heritage exhibitions, food workshops and displays from Bristol-based balloon manufacturer Cameron Balloons. The festival also features immersive attractions, including the "In the Clouds" experience, alongside demonstrations, children's activities and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Those travelling to the fiesta are encouraged to plan ahead. Shuttle buses will operate from Bristol Temple Meads railway station and the city centre, while the m2 MetroBus provides services to Long Ashton Park & Ride. Drivers must purchase parking tickets in advance, with several parking areas already sold out for peak days. Visitors arriving by taxi should use the designated Long Ashton Park & Ride drop-off point.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, first held in 1979, remains free to attend and continues to celebrate the city's rich ballooning heritage. Organisers recommend checking weather conditions before travelling, as balloon flights depend on suitable flying conditions.

FAQs

1. When is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026?

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026 will take place from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Ashton Court Estate in Bristol.

2. Is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta free to attend?

Yes. The festival is free to attend, although visitors driving to the venue must purchase car parking tickets in advance.

3. Where is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta held?

The event is held at Ashton Court Estate, located on the outskirts of Bristol city centre.

4. How many hot air balloons will participate?

More than 100 hot air balloons from the UK and several other countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Mexico and the United States, are expected to participate.

5. What are the mass balloon ascents?

Mass ascents are the festival's signature events where dozens of hot air balloons launch together. They are scheduled for 6:00 am and 6:00 pm each day, subject to weather conditions.

6. What is the Nightglow event?

Nightglow is an evening spectacle held on Friday and Saturday, where illuminated hot air balloons light up in sync with music after sunset.

7. Can I buy parking tickets at the venue?

No. All car parking tickets must be purchased in advance. Some parking areas may sell out before the event.

8. How can visitors reach the festival without a car?

Visitors can use shuttle buses from Bristol Temple Meads and the city centre, take the m2 MetroBus to Long Ashton Park & Ride, travel by train, cycle via Festival Way, or walk from the city centre.

9. What happens if the weather is unsuitable for flying?

Hot air balloon launches depend on weather conditions. Even if balloons cannot fly, visitors can still enjoy exhibitions, entertainment, family activities, live music and other attractions across the festival site.

10. Are dogs allowed at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?

Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, and owners are expected to clean up after them.

11. Can visitors bring their own food and drinks?

Yes. Visitors may bring their own food and drinks, but disposable barbecues are not permitted anywhere on the festival site.

12. Are drones allowed at the event?

No. Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems are strictly prohibited, and unauthorised use may result in removal from the venue and legal action.