Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic is a beautiful ballooning occasion set at Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, about 40 mi (65 km) northwest of Napa. A weekend of ballooning and other family-friendly festivities is usually scheduled for June. Balloon launches take place early in the morning, followed by tethered balloon rides. So you can witness 30 hot air balloons lift into the sky and then experience the joy of a flight yourself.
Another great event at the festival is the Sonoma County Strong Glow Show, held on Saturday and Sunday at 5 am. In addition, food and craft stalls and a kids' play area start operating as soon as the gates are open from 4 am through 10:30 am. Limited grandstand seating is available, and attendees can also bring low-backed lawn chairs to sit on. However, the area by the stage is for standing only.
Festival Schedule
Both festival days start with the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show at 5 am, but gates will open even earlier, at 4 am. The Main Launch, with about 20 balloons participating, takes place at 6:30 am, and visitors can join tethered hot air balloon rides from 6 am to approximately 10:30 am. Food trucks, photo balloons, a fun zone, and cold inflates will be available from 4 am to approximately 10:30 am.
Weather Safety
A hot air balloon must fly safely in calm, cool weather. Since the air is calm and cool in the morning, most hot air balloon events and rides take place at that time. If the weather isn't right, organizers will wait 30 to 60 minutes to see if conditions improve.
Tickets
An Adult Ticket to the Sonoma Hot Air Balloon Festival costs $21, and a Presale Adult Ticket (available until Monday, July 8, 2024, 11 pm) costs $18. Presale Child Ticket can be purchased for $12 (available until Monday, July 8, 2024, 11 pm). Kids under 3 have a free entrance. For more comfort, visitors can buy premium parking and admission for 2 attendees for $75.
Location and Parking
Sonoma Hot Air Balloon Festival will run at Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, Ca 95404. Parking at the Sonoma Hot Air Balloon Festival grounds is included with the ticket price.
Pet Policy
Due to health department regulations, pets are not permitted at the event. Service dogs will be allowed except on the launch field.
