Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

06/05/2023

KLTV’s Jamey Boyum takes to the skies in a practice flight for the coming Great Texas Balloon Race with race founder Bill Bussey, who usually doesn’t take passengers in his racing balloon.

Welcome to Enjoy 2023 United States Page of The Great Texas Balloon Race

05/28/2023

The Hot Air Balloon Jubilee is taking place in Point Mallard Park this week and is a family-friendly event!

05/27/2023

Hundreds of eyes gazed across the sky at Point Mallard Park Saturday morning, as hot-air balloons took off during the Annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic.

Watch ‼️ Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic 2023 Livestream🔥

Abigail Stites, her husband and her baby boy arrived early to get the perfect seat.

“This is the first time in a lot of years that I’ve been able to see it [hot-air balloons] since we were in Florida,” explained Stites. “It’s his first time also; so I’m excited to see him get excited about it.”

This year’s jubilee brought on some unfavorable weather conditions – cancelling out the traditional “hound and hare” balloon race. But that didn’t stop pilots from reaching for the sky.

The Decatur Baptist Church hot-air balloon was the first to take flight with more than 30 colorful hot-air balloons following its path across the Tennessee River.

05/27/2023

🔰 Watch ‼️ Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic 2023 Livestream🔥👇

Hello ‼️ Guys👋Don't Miss | Watch !! Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic 2023 Livestream Onlien. The show will take place at Alabama Jubilee, US on 27 to 28 May 2023.

05/26/2023

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Important Information

Balloons fly early in the morning and late afternoon. Mornings are at 6 a.m, afternoons are at 6-7:30 p.m.
Tethered rides are limited and require a signed waiver of liability. Children under 19 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Many pilots will not tether children three and under. The loud burner noise can damage their ears.
Paid flights are not sold during the Jubilee. If you would like to purchase a ride for another time there are many pilots that sell them; please visit The Heart of Dixie Balloon Club for more information.
Dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
Smoking is not allowed on the launch field.
Dogs and other pets are discouraged since the loud noises and fire can frighten them. If you do bring them they must be leashed and bagged after.
The Alabama Jubilee is a ‘No Drone Zone’. Unless you have a waiver attached to ours from the FAA you may NOT operate a drone on our field during the Alabama Jubilee’s FAA waiver flight times. Even if you are a licensed drone pilot.

05/26/2023

Have you made plans for Memorial Day weekend? Here are 60 events in Alabama to consider across the state: concerts, comedy shows, baseball games, movie screenings, fireworks, festivals and more. All are set for Friday through Monday, May 26-29.

05/25/2023

Last Friday, on May 19, the media was invited to a preview event for the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic that will be held on the Saturday and Sunday of this Memorial Day weekend.

The event served as an opportunity for training new crew members of some of the hot air balloons that will be flying over the weekend along with allowing the media to conduct interviews and take pictures. Three balloons were inflated at a field in Point Mallard Park as crew members learned how to unfold balloons, hook up fuel, inflate the balloons using fans, and turn baskets upright (see the photo gallery from that demonstration above).

05/24/2023

Alabama Jubilee Show: We will be set up Satirday and Sunday. Follow pur page for updates throughout the weekend.

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05/22/2023

One of the biggest hot air balloon events in the southeast, the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, is returning at the end of this month. On Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28, more than 60 colorful balloons will fill the Decatur sky at Point Mallard Park.

In addition to hot air balloons, the family-friendly festival will feature live music, a balloon glow, free tethered rides, motorcycles, antique cars and tractors, arts and crafts, fireworks and more fun for all ages. Admission and parking are free.

The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic began in 1978 and is one of the oldest hot-air balloon races in the southeast, earning the city of Decatur the “Ballooning Capital of Alabama” title. The festival has become a beloved Memorial Day holiday weekend tradition for many, attracting visitors from near and far.

The celebration will kick off Saturday morning with the Hare and Hound Balloon Race and run through late Sunday evening. Balloons take flight early in the morning, around 6 a.m., and in the evenings, around 5 p.m. The not-to-be-missed Hot Air Balloon Glow takes place around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, lighting the night sky from above. The two-day event will come to a close Sunday evening with a dazzling fireworks spectacular.

Add this fun festival to your summer bucket list, if you haven’t done so already. Keep reading for more information and useful tips to make the most out of your weekend, as well as a full schedule of events.

Important Information

Balloons fly early in the morning and late afternoon. Mornings are at 6 a.m, afternoons are at 6-7:30 p.m.
Tethered rides are limited and require a signed waiver of liability. Children under 19 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Many pilots will not tether children three and under. The loud burner noise can damage their ears.
Paid flights are not sold during the Jubilee. If you would like to purchase a ride for another time there are many pilots that sell them; please visit The Heart of Dixie Balloon Club for more information.
Dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
Smoking is not allowed on the launch field.
Dogs and other pets are discouraged since the loud noises and fire can frighten them. If you do bring them they must be leashed and bagged after.
The Alabama Jubilee is a ‘No Drone Zone’. Unless you have a waiver attached to ours from the FAA you may NOT operate a drone on our field during the Alabama Jubilee’s FAA waiver flight times. Even if you are a licensed drone pilot.
Saturday, May 27, 2023

6 – 8 a.m. Hound and Hare Balloon Flight

7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Decatur Art Guild – Arts & Crafts Show

7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Bikers for Charity Motorcycle Show

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Auto Expo and Auto Expo Awards

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Southland Flywheelers’ Antique Tractor Show

10 – 10:20 a.m. Parade of Power

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Pedal Tractor Park (ages 6 and under)

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tractor Games

3:15 – 4:45 p.m. Live Entertainment (TBA)

5 – 7:15 p.m. Evening Flight and Tethers

6:30 – 10 p.m. Live Entertainment (TBA)

8:15 – 9:15 p.m. Hot Air Balloon Glow

Sunday, May 28, 2023

6-8:30 a.m. Lynn Layton Key Grab Race

7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bikers for Charity Motorcycle Show

8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Decatur Art Guild – Arts & Crafts Show

5 – 7:15 p.m. Evening Flight and Tether

5:30 – 10 p.m. Live Entertainment (TBA)

9:30 p.m. Alabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular by Pyro Show

One of the biggest hot air balloon events in the southeast, the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, is returning at the end of this month. On Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28, more than 60 colorful balloons will fill the Decatur sky at Point Mallard Park. In addition to hot

05/15/2023

The 45th annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
Alabama Jubilee 2023 Schedule

Saturday’s activities include, May 27
6:00 a.m. – Pilot Briefing – Stage
6:30 a.m. – Hound and Hare Balloon Race
8:00 a.m. – Registration for 49th Annual Point Mallard Auto Expo, behind Spirit of America Stage
2:30 p.m. - Northern Alabama Fraternity of Barbershop Singers and Friends (live music)
3:00 p.m. - Point Mallard Auto Expo ends
5:00 p,m, - Pilot Briefing – Stage
5:30 p.m. – Balloon Fun Flight
6:30 p.m. - Peter Moon (live music)
8:15 p.m. – Balloon Glow
Southland Flywheelers Tractor Show
located near T.C. Almon Recreation Center
8:00 - Display area opens to the public
10:00 a.m. – Tractor Parade of Power (around the Jubilee Field)
11:00 a.m. – Tractor Games
11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Pedal Tractor Park(6 years old and under)
2:00 p.m. - Pedal Tractor Park(6 years old and under)
Pedal Tractor Park Open to Public All Day - No Charge
Hands-On Historical Tool Area Open to the Public All Day - No Charge
Decatur Art Guild
Arts & Crafts Show
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Point Mallard Pavilion

Sunday’s activities include, May 28
6:00 a.m. – Pilot Briefing – Stage
6:30 a.m. – Lynn Layton Chevrolet Key Grab Balloon Race
7:00 a.m. – Balloons begin arriving on field
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – WZYP Karoke Contest with prizes, by DJ Jammin’ Jeff
5:00 p.m. – Pilot Briefing – Stage
5:30 p.m. – Balloon Fun Flight
5:45 p.m. - Olivia Lunny, presented by WZYP (live music)
6:30 p.m. - Stretta (live music)
6:30 p.m. – Balloon tethers
9:30 p.m. – Alabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular by Pyro Shows
Decatur Art Guild
Arts & Crafts Show
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Point Mallard Pavilion

05/15/2023

Check out the 45th annual annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic where you can walk around and view 50+ hot air balloons up close, watch the balloons race, take a tethered balloon ride, or watch them glow at night. It’s a whole weekend of hot air balloon magic!

The weekend also includes: fireworks, music, a tractor show with a kid’s parade, a classic car show, an arts and crafts show, and food and activity vendors! Between balloon events, families are encouraged to set up for the day and enjoy frisbee games, kite flying, water balloon wars, lunch picnics, etc. So, plan to bring your favorite games, chairs and blankets to enjoy the whole day!

2023 Events at the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
SATURDAY – The celebration begins bright and early Saturday, May 27, at 6:00 AM, with the hound and hare balloon race: one balloon flies off the Jubilee field and the others try to follow to see which pilot can get closest to a target put down by the hare balloon.

Saturday’s activities include:

Antique and classic auto expo from 8:00a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Ice Complex.
Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the pavilion.
The Bikers for Charity motorcycle show will take place Saturday next to T.C. Almon Recreation Center with registration from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m.
The Southland Flywheelers will host an antique tractor show, featuring some of the best restored and maintained tractors in the Southeast, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A tractor parade follows at 10 a.m., and at 11 a.m. There will be tractor games and a pedal tractor park opens for kids 6 years old and under.
An afternoon hot-air balloon flight is set for 5:15 p.m., and at 8:15 p.m. the Balloon Glow is a must see as towering balloons of all colors light up Point Mallard Park.
SUNDAY – Another round of friendly competition between the hot-air balloon pilots is scheduled Sunday, May 28th with the Lynn Layton Chevrolet Key Grab. Balloons should start flying into the Jubilee field starting about 7 a.m. The Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show reopens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering festivalgoers plenty of time to shop for handmade items in between the balloon activities. Another fun flight is set to launch about 5:00 p.m.

Bands will perform on stage both days at various times and the two-day event concludes with the Alabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

Kick off summer with your family at the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic!

05/15/2023

More than 55 big colorful hot-air balloons will fill the sky above Decatur the last weekend in May during the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. The is set for Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28, at Point Mallard Park and features hot air balloons, live music, antique cars and tractors, motorcycles, arts and crafts, fireworks and other family fun with activities on the ground and in the air.

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition for many for 46 years. The celebration begins at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, May 27, with the hound and hare balloon race: One balloon flies off the Jubilee field and the others try to follow to see which pilot can get closest to a target put down by the hare balloon.

Saturday also offers the 49th annual Point Mallard Auto Expo, a classic vehicle show, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the former ice complex, and the popular Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the pavilion. The Bikers for Charity motorcycle show also takes place this day next to T.C. Almon Recreation Center with registration from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Southland Flywheelers hosts a show featuring beautifully restored and maintained tractors, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tractors will parade at 10 a.m., and at 11 a.m. there will be tractor games and a pedal tractor park for kids 6 years old and under. An afternoon hot-air balloon flight is set for 5:15 p.m., and at 8:15 p.m. the Balloon Glow is a must see as towering balloons of all colors light up Point Mallard Park.

Another round of friendly competition between the hot-air balloon pilots is scheduled Sunday, May 28 with the Lynn Layton Chevrolet Key Grab. Balloons should start flying into the Jubilee field starting about 7 a.m. The Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show reopens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering festival-goers plenty of time to shop for handmade items in between the balloon activities. Another balloon fun flight is set to launch about 6:30 p.m.

Bands perform on stage both days at 7 p.m. and the two-day event concludes with the Alabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

Admission to the Alabama Jubilee is free. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Pets are strongly discouraged due to the loud noise caused by the balloons and the large number of people present.

All balloon activities are weather permitting. Balloons do not fly, tether or glow in the rain or if wind on the ground is stronger than about 8 mph or if there are thunderstorms nearby. During the Alabama Jubilee, Point Mallard Park is a “No-Drone Zone” according to FAA regulations.

All activities take place inside Point Mallard Park, a 750-acre municipal park providing year-round recreation facilities in Decatur.

More than 55 big colorful hot-air balloons will fill the sky above Decatur the last weekend in May during the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. The is set for

05/15/2023

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic Is Back For Its 45th Year Of Fun And Festivities
Here in Alabama, there are lots of family-friendly festivals that take place throughout the year. In fact, some have been around for quite some time. One festival in particular is the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. To learn all about this long-running Alabama hot air balloon festival, take a look below.

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is scheduled to take place at Decatur's Point Mallard Park on May 27-28, 2023. It's a great event for all ages, and admission is free.

In 1978, this family-friendly festival began, which means this will be its 45th year. Because this annual event has become quite popular over the years, the city of Decatur is often referred to as the "Ballooning Capital of Alabama."

With more than 60 balloons, the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is one of the Southeast's largest hot air balloon events. People travel from near and far to experience this incredible festival.

In addition to its colorful hot air balloons, this festival also offers a variety of activities for all ages, including an antique car show, a tractor show, amusement rides, live musical entertainment, and more.

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur is a FREE, colorful family-friendly festival that belongs on your bucket list.

04/27/2023

“One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.” —William Feather 🧡

04/27/2023

04/27/2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
Do you only fly once a day?

We do! Hot air balloons are weather dependent. The best time to fly is at sunrise when the winds are the most favorable for flight. At that time, winds tend to be lighter, more stable, and more predictable. Perfect for an aircraft that relies on the winds to navigate to a safe landing site.

BONUS: Sunrise is also the most beautiful time of day, so make sure your cameras are ready! 📸

04/19/2023

Balloon rides are available for six launches throughout the weekend. Morning launches are at 6 a.m. and evening flights are at 6 p.m.

All balloon rides are free-flying and go where the wind takes them. Balloons range in size from two to 10 passengers. Whatever the size of your group, we can find a balloon to fit your needs. At the end of each balloon ride there will be a champagne toast to celebrate your adventure.

Balloon rides are available for launches throughout the weekend.

04/19/2023

The Casper Balloon Roundup is an annual hot-air ballooning event in the second-largest city in Wyoming. The area is known for Casper Mountain, a natural paradise with dense forests, a waterfall, and ski slopes. The three-day festival in late July offers plenty of fun activities and community entertainment for all ages.

The Casper Balloon Roundup has been attracting pilots and balloon crews since 2005. The festival's highlights include mass ascensions at sunrise on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. The launches take place at the Murane playing fields near Casper College. Some of the best spots to view the balloons are Casper Mountain Lookout and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

On Saturday evening, the festivities move to Downtown Casper. The public has a chance to see hot air balloons up close and meet the pilots. David Street Station will host a balloon glow and various activities from 6 pm to 10 pm. Highlights include live music, food trucks, face painting, and lawn games.

The Casper Balloon Roundup is an annual hot-air ballooning event in the second-largest city in Wyoming. The area is known for Casper Mountain, a natural paradise with dense forests, a waterfall, and ski slopes. The three-day festival in late July offers plenty of fun activities and community enterta

04/19/2023

Hot air balloons flew high over Lewiston and Auburn Friday night.

It’s part of the beloved Great Falls Balloon Festival, which is back for the first time since the pandemic began.

"[I'm] keeping my fingers crossed it’s going to be smooth sailing," said Nancy Brown, who was about to take her very first hot air balloon ride. "I actually thought the baskets were going to be bigger but we’ll be cozy and it will be nice I’m sure."

LEWISTON (WGME) -- Hot air balloons flew high over Lewiston and Auburn Friday night.

04/19/2023

Skylight Balloon Fest is a relatively new event that got its start in 2017. The festival is definitely worth a visit with around 15 hot air balloons and over a hundred vendors offering their exceptional goods.

You can go for a tethered balloon ride, watch morning competitions, or see the amazing glow at night. Four live concerts, food trucks, a Family Fun Zone, and Jumbo Interactive Area Petting Zoo with 20 varieties of animals are waiting for you.

Skylight Balloon Fest is a relatively new event that got its start in 2017. The festival is definitely worth a visit with around 15 hot air balloons and over a hundred vendors offering their exceptional goods.

04/19/2023

We hope to brighten up your Tuesday morning with these colors!
We can’t wait for October!

Photo Credit: Alee Noland

04/19/2023

Great Falls Balloon Festival
COUNT DOWN TO FESTIVAL FUN
AUGUST 18-20, 2023

Enjoy a ride in a hot air balloon during this year’s festival.
Hurry, spots are limited and fill up fast!

Skylight Balloon Fest is a relatively new event that got its start in 2017. The festival is definitely worth a visit with around 15 hot air balloons and over a hundred vendors offering their exceptional goods.

04/19/2023

Looking for some of the best festivals and events in Lancaster? Check out these events locals love and return to year after year.