European Hot-Air Balloon Festival 2024 in Barcelona

First held in 1997, the European Balloon Festival annually takes place in Igualada. It's an international gathering of hot-air balloons, which has already become an extremely popular European competition. Drawing in almost 25,000 balloon enthusiasts every year, the festival is sure to take your breath away with colorful balloons against the picturesque backdrop of Spanish architecture.

Festival Program

The European Balloon Festival is a gathering, a competition, and a festival all in one. It brings together the fun of flying, the beauty of sport, and the excitement of competition. During the four days of the festival, people can watch more than 50 balloons fly in a show, take part in planned activities, or even ride in a balloon while the teams perform different exhibition and competition tests. You'll have a chance to witness morning and evening balloon flights, as well as the spectacular night glow in the evening.

Balloon Flights

Thanks to deals offered at the European Balloon Festival, you can embark on a journey above Igualada on a hot-air balloon. The cost ranges from €149 to €220, with some flights going up to €549 and even €900. If you're attending with your little ones, there are additional discounts for children.

Schedule & Weather

The festival is held in Igualada in the first two weeks of July. From Thursday to Sunday, more than 25,000 people come to witness it. The flights happen early in the morning at 6:30 am and late in the afternoon at 7:30 pm. During this time, the weather is best for hot air balloon rides. Flights can be canceled if the weather conditions worsen. The Night Glow is scheduled to take place at 10:30 pm on July 13th.

Location

The festivities and balloon flights mainly take place in Central Park. Rides over the city set off from Plaça de Cal Font and Plaça de l'Ajuntament. The landing location isn't set in stone, since the flight direction often depends on the wind. But generally, the balloons land on the outskirts of the city.

Parking

As for parking, the event's organizers recommend coming on foot or taking a bus when possible. However, if you still want to arrive by car, feel free to use the Comes parking lot next to Park Central or a car park near the Hospital Universitari d'Igualada.