When is Bristol International Balloon Fiesta?

This year, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta will be taking place from 11 to 14 August.

What to expect from Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Watch as more than 100 hot air balloons from across the world take to the sky at dawn and again at dusk. Don't miss the must-see Night Glows, when tethered balloons light up the night sky to music at the Balloon Fiesta site in Ashton Court. There are also many other activities including trade stalls, fairground rides and a fireworks finale.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is the largest in Europe, so join in the fun and make memories.

Things to see and do in Bristol

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place over four days giving you plenty of time to explore the local area. There’s plenty to see and do during your stay with top attractions including The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery or M Shed which offers a detailed history of the city.

The harbourside is packed with things to do including Brunel’s SS Great Britain – a ship that changed the world. There are many great places to eat and drink too and with over 170 hotels in Bristol you are sure to find the perfect place to stay.

Discover what to do in Bristol.

How to get to Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Travelling to this Bristol hot air balloon festival is easy. Hop on a train to Bristol Temple Meads and either walk or cycle the ‘Festival Way’ or take a bus to Ashton Court Estate.

By bus from Temple Meads, head to Bristol City Centre (services 8, 72 and 73) and connect with First’s Badgerline services (X1, X2, X4, X6, X7 and X9 to North Somerset) which stop a short walk from Aston Court. Alternatively, take the m2 metrobus service departing close to Temple Meads direct to Ashton Court (please note this won’t run late enough to return from nightglow events).

Select PlusBus as an add-on when buying your train ticket online to get a day’s unlimited bus travel around Bristol for just £4.50. Or if there’s several of you, choose the West of England FirstDay Group ticket for £10. Up to 5 people (of any age) travelling together can go on as many journeys as they like for 1 day.

Or if you fancy a stroll, the nearest station is Parson Street which is a 30-minute walk to the Fiesta.

So why not hop on one of our trains to Bristol and see the spectacle of over 100 hot air balloons blotting out the sky.

Travelling on Sunday 14 August

Ongoing rail improvements in the Severn Tunnel will affect train services running between South Wales and Bristol during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta on Sunday 14 August, until midday.

Buses replace trains between Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Patchway and Bristol Parkway. Alternatively, customers can travel on trains via Gloucester instead.

Journey times will be longer than usual, so leave plenty of time and check before you travel. Find out more about service changes through Bristol.