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Running from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August 2026, welcome to the dazzling world of Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta!
#BristolBalloonFestival2026
Don't want to miss out this year? You can always stay at one of our chic and central Serviced Apartments in Bristol.
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a free-to-attend, three-day event held in the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate, just on the outskirts of Bristol's city centre. Now approaching its 48th year, the festival has celebrated the city and the remarkable world of hot air ballooning since 1979, drawing around 250,000 visitors to the estate each year. It's a not-for-profit event, run largely by volunteers, and staying free to attend has always been part of its ethos.
So buckle up as we explore the colourful spectacle of hot air balloons and immerse ourselves in the joyful atmosphere that makes Bristol's Balloon Fiesta an experience like no other.
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Bristol City Centre, Harbourside & Old City
The City Centre is the perfect location for those looking for something a little more lively, putting you right in the heart of the action.
With shops, restaurants, bars and cultural attractions all on your doorstep, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city day and night, whether you’re here for work, a weekend break or a longer stay.
What's On Each Day at the Bristol Balloon Festival
Start your weekend as 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.
Spend your Saturday at the Fiesta, 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.
Wrap up the Fiesta weekend with a 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 entertainment on the Brizzle Kicks and Moon Stages.
For the full schedule, check the official timetable.
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Getting to the Bristol Balloon Festival
Ashton Court is situated to the south-west of Bristol city centre. Directions to the official car parks are signposted from all routes into the Fiesta and can be found on your print-at-home ticket.
All car park tickets must be purchased in advance and are single entry only. Note that caravans and large motorhomes aren't permitted in the Fiesta car parks (standard cars, vans, and camper vans are fine), and there's no overnight parking.
Hop on a train to Bristol Temple Meads, served by Official Travel Partner GWR. From there, you can either walk or cycle along "Festival Way," or hop on the Fiesta Shuttle Bus to Ashton Court Estate. If you fancy a stroll, the nearest station to Ashton Court is Parson Street, about a 30-minute walk away.
For further travel information, visit gwr.com.
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With mass ascents at dawn and dusk, there's every reason to stay close to the action rather than rush back and forth. Base yourself in one of our chic and central Serviced Apartments in Bristol, and you'll have the flexibility to catch the sunrise launch, explore the city in between, and still make it back for the Nightglow — all without worrying about the last train home.
Whether it's your first Fiesta or you're a seasoned regular, Bristol's skies this August promise colour, spectacle, and an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
Bristol Balloon Festival FAQ
The Fiesta is free and unticketed — a key part of the event's ethos, making it accessible to all. If you're bringing a car, you'll need a car parking ticket. These are non-refundable, regardless of any changes to the programme or weather.
The Fiesta takes place at Ashton Court Estate, on the south-western edge of Bristol, just a few miles from the city centre.
Dogs are welcome at the Fiesta, but the site gets busy, so please keep them on a lead at all times and clean up after them. Worth bearing in mind: some dogs find the noise of the balloons and Nightglow displays a bit much, so it's worth considering whether the crowds and sound will suit your four-legged friend.
Many of our serviced apartments are dog-friendly and pet-friendly.
Should you wish to bring your pet with you, we require advance notice of at least 48 hours. Details of the pets you are choosing to bring with you are also required. There is an additional deep cleaning fee required once you vacate your apartment.
A larger deposit is also required upfront in the event that your pet damages any of the furniture, fixtures or fittings.
There are some occasions when we cannot allow pets but these are discussed on a case by case basis.
Yes – we have a large collection of short-stay apartments available in Clifton.
These include:
You can take a look at some of these apartments here.
Yes! We accommodate group stays with many of our properties in Bristol offering multiple rooms, beds as well as ample kitchen and lounge space, making it convenient for companies managing multiple employees or extended projects in Bristol.
Absolutely. We have multiple apartments throughout Bristol that include multiple rooms for parents and children. We can also provide sofa beds in many of our properties.
