Alabama Decatur Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic traditionally takes place on Memorial Day weekend in Point Mallard Park (Decatur) every year. Thanks to generous sponsors, the festival doesn’t require admission or parking fees, which makes it a super affordable family-friendly adventure. On the last day of the festival, the Alabama jubilee fireworks spectacular lights up the skies at 9:30 pm.
Balloon Flights
The public can witness over 50 balloons light up in the sky, creating a giant Christmas tree ornament effect. The event's main ballooning sessions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings from 6 am to 8 am, as well as Saturday and Sunday late afternoons from 5 pm to 8 pm. In the morning, balloons compete with each other in a race. In the evenings, half the balloons fly, while the other half participates in a balloon glow.
Hot-Air Balloon Classic also features tethered balloon rides, which are offered during the afternoon sessions. These rides allow the public to have a flight experience while a balloon stays tethered to the ground. Tethered rides are performed at the pilots' discretion and are free of charge. Paid balloon flights are not available during Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. If you are interested in tethered rides, arrive early as lines tend to get rather long. Children under 18 are not allowed in the balloons without a parent or a guardian.
Entertainment
In addition to the balloon demonstrations, there will be lots of other activities, like music concerts, a camping town, food booths, arts & crafts, and a motorcycle show. Surely, there will be something for every taste. The tractor parade and show start at 10 am on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Decatur Art Guild Arts & Crafts Show will run at Point Mallard Pavilion from 8 am to 6 pm on both days.
Rules
The public is welcome to bring lawn chairs, wagons and small picnic items to have a wonderful festival experience. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the launch field due to the hazards of proximity to propane. As for dogs or other pets, you can bring them, but leaving them at home is a better idea, for they might get scared of the balloon burners. Also, Alabama Jubilee Classic is a no-drone zone, so we suggest leaving your device at home.
Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic was included in the Top 20 Tourism Events in the Southeast by the Atlanta-based Southeast Tourism Society. The ballooning festival kicks off Alabama's tourism season. and serves as a showcase for the City of Decatur. The Jubilee draws over 60 pilots from 20 states and visitors from all over the country.
