Friese Ballonfeesten is a beautiful event held annually in July at Joure in the north of the Netherlands. Over five days, the festival offers 35 hot air balloons, several night glow shows, ten food trucks, two music scenes, and six funfair rides. What's more, the admission and activities are free of charge. By all means, the festival is a perfect chance to let your hair down and have fun with family and friends.
Events and Entertainment
The hot air balloons at Friese Ballonfeesten are like nowhere else. Next to the standardly shaped ones, prepare to see some of the most unexpected figures, such as Van Gogh's head, Ronald McDonald, a huge motorcyclist, a battery, or an ice cream cone.
Also, the 37th Frisian Balloon Festival has a packed free program for guests of all ages. On Wednesday, July 24, the grounds are open from 4 pm to 12 am. Visitors can observe the parade at 4:45 pm and join the opening of the 37th Frisian Balloon Festival by Mayor Fred Veenstra of De Fryske Marren at 6:30 pm.
On Thursday, July 25, the festival program kicks off at 5 pm, featuring the Start of hot air balloons and special shapes at 7:30 pm and the balloon area opening for miniature balloons at 9 pm. Also, to feel a full festival experience, guests should visit the Large stage with performances by Hayfever, BeeGees Forever, and DJ Lars and Night Glow with hot air balloons on Friday, July 26, at 9 pm and the Radio Continuous drive-in show with DJs and various live artists and Night Glow with hot air balloons on Saturday, July 27, at 9 pm. Headlining events of the festival are also Vintage Cars & Trunk Market.
Hours of Balloons Lift Off
Balloons are only able to ascend when thermal activity has decreased sufficiently, which typically takes place approximately two hours before sunset. The timing of balloon launches is also contingent upon prevailing weather conditions. Under normal circumstances, balloons usually lift off around 8 pm, but this timing is not guaranteed. Most of the balloons are present every evening. However, which balloons the spectators will see in the sky is the weather of decisive importance.
Balloon flight
At the festival, you can also book a balloon flight, which costs approximately 195 euros per person in the evening and 210 euros per person for the morning flight, including breakfast. Festival organizers assure that ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation and hot air balloon accidents are rare.
Parking
Visitors must follow the signs for P-Ballonfeesten in Joure. They will lead to a spacious parking lot, a few minutes walk from the event grounds. Parking costs 5 euros.
Friese Ballonfeesten History
The first Balloon Festival in Joure was in 1986. Thanks to its unexpected success, it became an annual celebration, and Joure was nicknamed the Balloon City. Today, Friese Ballonfeesten lures around 20,000-25,000 visitors yearly, making it one of the most significant ballooning events across the country.
