About

Canberra Balloon Spectacular is Australia’s longest-running hot air ballooning festival, celebrating the awe-inspiring beauty of balloons in flight. In 2025 the event has elevated to its own distinct festival, offering a magical experience for all attendees.

From Saturday, 15 March, to Sunday, 23 March, vibrant hot air balloons will grace the skies over the nation’s capital, creating breathtaking views that captivate families, photographers, and visitors alike.

This year, the festival takes place at John Dunmore Lang Place, where attendees can experience the balloons up close as they prepare for lift-off.

Don’t miss this unique celebration of wonder and flight in the heart of Canberra! Plan your visit.

From cherished tradition to iconic event, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular soars to new heights as it’s own festival.

History

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular began in 1986 and has filled the Canberra sky with thousands of hot air balloons - an awe-inspiring visual spectacle that millions of people have enjoyed.

In its history it has been linked to events like the National Multicultural Festival and, since 2018, the Enlighten Festival.

Over the years the festival has become renowned for its feature unique balloon shapes including a pair of dancing honeybees, Vincent Van Gogh's head, a windmill, a tropical tree, a turtle, a Scottish bagpiper, a hummingbird and a frog to name a few.

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular has come a long way in its 39 years, growing from a community event into a standalone festival that takes centre stage.