Atlantic Canada's Most Colourful Festival

Get ready to soar to new heights at Atlantic Canada's Most Colourful Festival! The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex, New Brunswick, is a must-see spectacle where the sky comes alive with vibrant hot air balloons. Whether you're captivated by the sight of these majestic balloons inflating and drifting through the crisp September air or eager to experience the thrill of flying in one yourself, this 4-day celebration is packed with unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars for the first weekend after Labour Day—Thursday, September 5th to Sunday, September 8th, 2024. The festivities kick off with the first balloon flights on Thursday evening, followed by a weekend full of family fun activities, mouthwatering food, live music, and endless opportunities to create lasting memories. Don't miss your chance to be part of this iconic event in Sussex, New Brunswick!

The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta is the Most Celebrated Local Festival

The Annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex, New Brunswick, is one of the Atlantic region's Top Ten Festivals, earning titles like Community Choice Winner and Most Celebrated Local Festival. This vibrant event thrives thanks to the generosity of sponsors, the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, and the hospitality of local landowners who welcome balloonists with open arms. So, grab your sunscreen, fill up your water bottle, and bring a lawn chair—it's time to join in the festivities!

The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta is a Spectacular Sight

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend filled with fun activities! Explore the Atlantic Superstore bandstand, stroll through the indoor market, enjoy the amusement park, visit the petting zoo, and don't miss the car show & shine. With plenty of local vendors and activities for all ages, there's something for everyone. I've attended the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta on several occasions, and it's a spectacular sight every single time. While there's plenty to do, the highlight is undeniably the colourful balloons. It's fascinating to watch as these unique hot air balloons, in all shapes and sizes and coloured patterns, take to the sky one after another. As they launch, you'll be captivated by the sight of them gently floating and drifting towards the horizon.

Enjoy the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta Magical Moon Glow

If you're watching the early evening launch, stick around for a truly magical experience. After the flight, pilots and their teams return to the launch field, and as the sky darkens, they inflate their balloons once more. This time, they stay tethered to the ground for a mesmerizing display known as the ‘Moon Glow.’ In perfect coordination, the pilots ignite their burners, lighting up the balloons like giant lanterns flickering on and off, showcasing each balloon’s unique design. Don’t miss out on these enchanting night-time candle glows—they’re an unforgettable sight!

Atlantic Balloon Fiesta Balloon Rides

There’s something truly magical about this event, especially when you’re up in the air. I am told the view from a balloon, overlooking the patchwork of farmland and the gentle rolling hills of Sussex, is simply breathtaking. During the 4-day festival, you have two chances to take to the skies each day—just after sunrise at 7:30 AM and before sunset around 5:30 PM (weather permitting). Years ago, when we lived in New Jersey, I surprised my husband with a hot air balloon voyage for our 2nd wedding anniversary. It was during a huge ballooning festival in Allentown, Pennsylvania, similar to this one. It’s a treasured memory for us both, and I hope to one day relive that experience here in Sussex.

Life is a Beautiful Ride

I’ll never forget the anticipation and exhilaration of balloon liftoff, followed by the quiet serenity as we floated high above, leaving the noise and chaos far below. Everything just seemed to disappear. We drifted, quite fittingly, over a golf course (if you know my husband well) and then peacefully sailed over the stunning Pennsylvania countryside before finally landing in a farmer’s field. Sharing this experience with someone you love is truly extraordinary. We celebrated with champagne alongside the pilot, co-pilot, and the gracious landowner who allowed us to land on his property. It was a romantic and unforgettable experience, one that I believe everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Remarkably, the cost today in Sussex is still $300 (cash only) per person, exactly what I paid over 30 years ago in Pennsylvania. It’s an incredible value for a bucket list experience and a memory that will last a lifetime. Remember, life is a beautiful ride!

Book an Atlantic Canada Fiesta Balloon Ride

To book a balloon ride at the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, visit the information booth onsite at the Golden Jubilee Hall. Prebookings are not available before the festival, but the booth is open throughout the event, so you can secure your spot for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday flights starting on Thursday afternoon. Efforts are made to accommodate groups of up to four people who want to fly together. So why wait? Seize the day—Carpe Diem!

The First Balloon 

Did you know that on September 19, 1783, a hot air balloon took off from Versailles carrying a sheep, a duck and a rooster. They were the first passengers in a hot air balloon. On November 21, 1783, the first free ascent with human passengers happened.

Love is in the Air

The 33rd Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in 2018 marked the debut of 'The Boy & The Girl' hot air balloons in Sussex, New Brunswick. In love and married in 2000 in the Netherlands, this charming pair has been traveling the world together ever since. Love was in the air above as the pilots delighted the Sussex crowd by turning the balloons toward each other, sharing an endearing 'kiss' before launching them high off together into the pristine blue skies at sunset. It was a picture-perfect moment as they floated away, symbolizing their happily ever after.

Gone Whale’n Eh!!!

More than 30 years ago, a simple sticker given by Bill and Sandra (Rolfe) Whelan's daughters sparked an idea that would take flight years later. In 2018, at the 33rd Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, that idea came to life as a cool whale balloon. The concept was brought to reality by Brazilian designer Marcos Bonimcontro, who has wowed Sussex crowds with his extraordinary hot air balloon creations over the years. The process was nothing short of incredible—starting with computer drawings, followed by paper patterns, mountains of fabric, and countless hours of sewing. Over 2,000 pieces of fabric were stitched together with 108 kilometers of thread to create this magnificent whale balloon. And as they say, the rest is history! Holy Whale of a Balloon! You never know what amazing balloons you’ll see at the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta!

First and Last Balloons

A friendly competition often occurs during a festival or special ballooning event, to be the first balloon to take to the skies. However, some pilots prefer being the last balloon to go up. Ironically, on the 33rd Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, this To/Go ballon was the last “to go” up.

Head to Sussex, New Brunswick for the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta

The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta, affectionately known as Atlantic Canada’s Most Colourful Festival, is a beloved annual event in Sussex, New Brunswick. Over the past few decades, it has blossomed into a vibrant 4-day celebration packed with exciting activities, live music, delicious food, and fun for everyone. The true highlight, of course, is watching the spectacular hot air balloons—each one a unique masterpiece in different colours, shapes, and sizes—as they inflate, launch, and drift across the serene September sky. You can even take flight in one of them. Whether you take to the air or what from the ground, I highly recommend this beautiful fall festival.

Let Sussex Surprise YOU!

While enjoying the Atlantic Canada Balloon Fiesta - Let Sussex Surprise You! This quaint small town will charm you with shops and cafes, rolling hills and rural farming countryside, and Atlantic Canada’s largest mural project that celebrates this town’s fascinating history through massive artworks painted on the town’s buildings. Learn more by clicking on the Let Sussex Surprise You! text hyper-links or on the photo links below.

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