Annual Event
Wairarapa Balloon Festival
The 2023 Wairarapa Balloon Festival is the must-see family fun event of the year, taking place over Easter, from 6th – 10th April.
The skies will come alive during this five-day Wairarapa wide event, with balloonist competitions, joyful and vibrant displays from the balloons overhead.
The morning ascensions are just a taster for the main event – the Night Glow – taking place on Saturday 8th April at Clareville Showgrounds.
Thursday 6th April
More FM First Flight – from 6.30am, Masterton
Friday 7th April
Mass Ascension – from 6.30am, Carterton
Saturday 8th April
Meander over Martinborough– from 6.30am, Martinborough
Saturday 8th April – Night Glow – Clareville Showgrounds
Sunday 9th April
Park to Paddock Challenge – from 6.30am, Greytown
Monday 10th April
Farewell Flight – from 6.30am, mystery location.
Pilots and their balloons will take off for the last time in the festival’s finale flight.
This schedule is subject to change, as ballooning is weather-dependent so decisions can only be made on the day. For the latest weather updates and event information, see our Facebook or Instagram page, or tune into Wairarapa’s More FM 89.5.