Jackson Hot Air Jubilee 2024 in Michigan

One of the oldest ballooning events in Michigan

Dates: July 19-21, 2024

Jackson Hot Air Jubilee is the annual ballooning event that takes place every July at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan. The city is about 40 miles (64 km) west of Ann Arbor, MI. In addition to hot air balloons, the festival offers a crafts fair, a car show, kite demonstrations, aircraft and military displays, and live music. Children can enjoy their time at Kids' Kingdom with carnival rides, radio-controlled airplanes and cars, and more fun activities.

Jackson Hot Air Jubilee Highlights

The Hot Air Jubilee dates back to 1983 and has been attracting thousands every summer since then. There are about 25–30 balloons offering rides and entertainment., like Kids Kingdown, car show, or helicopter rides. The main highlight of the festival's program is the Balloon Night Glow at Dusk, where tethered balloons illuminate the area. Additional attractions at Ella Park are the Hurst Planetarium, Ella Sharp Museum, and the Mini-Golf Course. The festival offers free admission.

Jackson Hot Air Jubile Schedule

Good Morning Jackson Launch will begin the first festival day at 6:30 and will last till 7 am. The Hot Rods and Hot Air Jeeps at the Jubilee will take place at 3 pm, along with the festival opening, featuring entertainment tents, helicopter rides, and food vendors. The little ones can visit Kids Kingdom from 4 to 8 pm. The spectacular Evening Launch at Ella Sharp Park will delight guests at 7 pm, and the Night Glow will start at dusk, ending this active Friday.

Saturday will also start with a Morning Launch from 6:30 to 7 am. Then, there will be Hot Rods and Hot Air Car Show, and entertainment tent, helicopter rides, and food vendors at 3 pm. Guests will have a chance to meet and greet pilots at Launch Field from 4 to 5 pm. Kids Kingdom will run from 4 to 8 pm. The second day will end with an Evening Launch at Ella Sharp Park at 7 pm, and the Night Glow at dusk, just like the previous day.

On Sunday, the last day of the festival, there will only be a Morning Launch from 6:30 to 7 am.

US Women's National Balloon Championship (July 15-20, 2024)

Recently, Jackson Hot Air Jubilee has also launched another annual ballooning competition specially for women. The US Women's National Balloon Championship partially overlaps in time with the main event. Registration is open from February through mid-March. The event can enroll up to twenty outrageously brave female pilots.

Pet Policy

Dogs are permitted at Ella Sharp Park. However, the loud noise of the hot air balloon burners can scare, so organizers caution against bringing your dog to the festival.