The Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025, Europe’s largest free hot‑air balloon event, takes place at Ashton Court Estate from Friday 8 August to Sunday 10 August 2025 (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser). Here are the confirmed schedule, costs, and best moments to catch the mass ascents and Night Glow.

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Next edition: Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August 2025 ·
Admission price: Free (ticketed parking/glow) ·
Location: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol ·
Balloons expected: Over 100 ·
Mass ascents daily: Dawn and dusk

Quick snapshot

1Dates & Opening Hours
  • 8–10 August 2025 (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
  • Gates from 6:00 AM daily (Official timetable)
  • Last entry before dusk (approx. 8:00 PM)
2Entry & Tickets
  • Free general admission (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
  • Parking tickets must be booked online in advance (Official site)
  • Night Glow arena tickets available from official site
3Location & Transport
  • Ashton Court Estate, Bristol BS41 9BD (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
  • Shuttle bus from city centre
  • Free bike parking on site
4Daily Programme
  • Dawn mass ascent ~6:30 AM (Official timetable)
  • Evening mass ascent ~6:30 PM (Official timetable) (Official timetable)
  • Night Glow after dusk (Saturday & Sunday) (Official timetable) (Official timetable)

Key facts at a glance:

Fact Value
Event type Free public hot‑air balloon festival (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
2025 dates 8–10 August 2025 (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
Venue Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
Entry cost Free (parking costs £10–£15) (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
Number of balloons Over 100 per ascent (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
Mass ascents per day 2 (dawn & dusk) (Official timetable)

What date is the Balloon Fiesta in Bristol?

Confirmed 2025 dates

  • The Bristol Balloon Fiesta runs from Friday 8 August to Sunday 10 August 2025 (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser).
  • For context, the 2026 edition is scheduled for 7–9 August 2026 (Bristol Balloon Fiesta timetable).

Event opening hours

Gates open each morning around 6:00 AM, and mass ascents occur at dawn (roughly 6:30 AM) and dusk (around 6:30 PM) — weather permitting (Official timetable). The site typically closes shortly after the evening glow.

Bottom line: The 2025 Fiesta is a three‑day weekend event. Plan to be on‑site before dawn to see the first inflation.

The pattern: the organiser locks in dates more than a year ahead, so 2025 dates are firm. Saturday is traditionally the busiest day, but every day offers two mass ascents.

How much does it cost to go to the Balloon Festival in Bristol?

Free admission

  • General entry to the festival site is completely free — no ticket is needed to walk in (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser).

Paid parking and Night Glow tickets

  • If you bring a car, parking tickets must be booked online in advance; they are non‑refundable even if weather changes the programme (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser).
  • The Saturday Night Glow may require an arena ticket — check the official site for availability.
The upshot

Free entry keeps the event accessible, but the real cost is parking and optional extras. Booking parking early is essential — spaces sell out. For parking details, see our full Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025 guide.

The trade‑off: you save on admission but pay for convenience. Walking or cycling avoids parking fees entirely.

Where is the Bristol Balloon Festival held in 2025?

Ashton Court Estate

  • The site is Ashton Court Estate, a large park southwest of Bristol city centre (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser).
  • Sat‑nav postcode: BS41 9BD.

How to get there

  • Shuttle buses run from the city centre; cycling is encouraged with free bike parking on site.
  • By car, follow the A38 and signs for Ashton Court. Expect heavy traffic on Saturday afternoon.

Why this matters: Ashton Court’s open fields can handle 100+ balloons, but the narrow access roads create bottlenecks. Public transport is the best bet for a stress‑free arrival.

What is the best time to go to Balloon Fiesta?

Why dawn is best for clear skies

  • Mass ascents are held at dawn and dusk; dawn usually has lighter wind and fewer crowds (Official timetable).
  • Early birds can watch the balloons inflate from 6:00 AM — a spectacle in itself.

Why dusk offers the Night Glow

  • Evening ascents are followed by the Night Glow (weather permitting), where balloons light up in sequence to music (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser).
  • Saturday and Sunday afternoons see the largest crowds, so arrive early if you want a good viewing spot.
Weather watch

All timings are subject to change due to wind and visibility. The official social media channels post updates on the morning of each day.

The verdict: if you can only come once, choose dawn on Saturday — you’ll see the mass ascent and can stay for the Night Glow.

What is the best day to attend Balloon Fiesta?

Friday, Saturday, or Sunday – what to expect

  • Friday is the quietest day with the full programme — ideal for a low‑key visit.
  • Saturday features a mass ascent and the signature Night Glow; it’s the most popular day.
  • Sunday is family‑friendly with the farewell mass ascent — a gentle end to the weekend.

The pattern: each day offers two mass ascents, but the Night Glow only happens on Saturday and sometimes Sunday. Friday gives you the best chance of uncrowded viewing.

What not to wear on a hot air balloon?

Footwear

  • Do not wear open‑toed shoes, sandals, or high heels. (Visit Bristol)
  • Sturdy, closed‑toe shoes are recommended for the uneven grass fields.

Clothing for variable weather

  • Avoid loose scarves or dangling jewellery that could catch on burner lines. (Visit Bristol)
  • Dress in layers; early morning can be cold, then warm quickly.

The principle: comfort and safety in a balloon field require practical clothing choices.

Timeline: What happens each day

Below is the confirmed daily schedule for 2025:

Date Event schedule (weather permitting)
Friday 8 August 2025 Gates open 6:00 AM, dawn mass ascent ~6:30 AM, evening mass ascent ~6:30 PM (Official timetable)
Saturday 9 August 2025 Same as Friday, plus Saturday Night Glow ~8:30 PM (Official timetable)
Sunday 10 August 2025 Dawn mass ascent and farewell flight; gates close after last ascent (Official timetable)

The implication: Sunday is shorter, so if you want the full experience, aim for Friday or Saturday.

Confirmed facts

  • Dates: 8–10 August 2025 (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
  • Location: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)
  • Free admission (Bristol Balloon Fiesta, official event organiser)

What’s unclear

  • Exact parking cost and whether advance booking is required for all days
  • Exact Night Glow time depends on sunset and weather
  • Number of balloons may vary due to wind conditions
  • Some ancillary activities (fairground rides, food stalls) are not yet confirmed
  • Mass ascents at dawn and dusk each day (subject to weather)
The catch

Even with a confirmed schedule, everything hinges on the weather. The Fiesta has been cancelled on short notice in past years due to high winds — always have a backup plan. Here is our Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025 guide for more preparation tips.

“The Fiesta is free to attend, but we strongly advise booking parking in advance as spaces are limited.”

— Bristol Balloon Fiesta (official event organiser)

“Arriving early, around 6am, is the best way to avoid the queues and see the balloons inflate.”

— Visit Bristol (destination marketing organisation)

For anyone planning a visit in 2025, the choice is straightforward: arrive at dawn, book your parking early, and enjoy one of Europe’s most spectacular free events. The Fiesta’s magic lies in its unpredictability — but with these facts, you’ll be ready for whatever the sky throws your way. For a complete guide, refer to our Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025 guide.

Additional sources

sg.trip.com, independenttravelcats.com

For more details on mass ascents and parking, visitors can refer to the Bristol Balloon Festival 2025 guide for comprehensive scheduling information.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

Yes, dogs are welcome on site, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. Remember that the balloon inflation area can be noisy, so consider your pet’s comfort.

Is the Balloon Fiesta cancelled in bad weather?

The event may be postponed or cancelled if wind speeds exceed safe limits or visibility is poor. The official website and social media will announce any changes by the morning of each day.

Are there food and drink stalls at the Fiesta?

Yes, a variety of food vendors and bars operate throughout the site. Offerings typically include burgers, pizza, crepes, and refreshments — though exact vendors for 2025 are not yet confirmed.

Can I attend only one day?

Absolutely. The Fiesta is free to enter each day, so you can come for just one day or all three. Each day has its own schedule of mass ascents.

Is there wheelchair access at Ashton Court?

Yes, the site is mostly flat grass with accessible paths. Designated viewing areas for wheelchair users are available. Shuttle buses are also wheelchair accessible.

Do children need a ticket?

Children do not need a ticket to enter the free festival. However, if you purchase parking or Night Glow tickets, children under a certain age may be free — check the official site for details.

How long do mass ascents last?

A mass ascent typically takes about 30–60 minutes from the first inflation to the last balloon leaving the ground. The entire launch window can span up to two hours if conditions are calm.