Kevelaer Hot Air Balloon Festival is an annual event that takes place at the beginning of July in the town of Kevelaer, located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Thousands of balloon enthusiasts gather to see around 35 balloons filling the Lower Rhine skies with different colors and shapes. Kevelaer Hot Air Balloon Festival also features a fair with carnival rides, children's attractions, delicious food, and various entertainment.
Balloon Launches & Rides
Kevelaer Hot Air Balloon Festival features morning and evening balloon ascensions, the night glows, a nostalgic fair, tethered rides, and helicopter sightseeing flights over the famous pilgrimage sites of Kevelaer. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival. About 30 balloons, all different shapes and sizes, will come from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany and hover over the city, celebrating the date.
Night Glow
The Night Glow or "Nachtglühen" is the main crowdpleaser at the festival. Usually taking place at 10 pm every night, balloons look like giant lanterns, illuminating night skies to the sounds of music soundtrack. Kevelaer Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the region's main summer highlights, which shouldn't be missed!
Schedule
The event will begin in the late afternoon, at 4 pm, and continue until midnight on both days. You will have plenty of time to enjoy food and beverages at the venue while observing the magnificent balloon displays. Balloon launches normally take place at 5:30 am and 7 pm, weather permitting. Night Glow usually begins at 10 pm.
Location
The city of Kevelaer, located in the west of Germany, boasts stunning architecture and tranquil landscapes. Festival events take place at Solegarten St. Jakob and nearby Hülsparkstadion. The city is conveniently situated 34 miles (55 km) northwest of Duisburg and 47 miles (76 km) from Essen, making the travel to Kevelaer an easy one-hour drive.
