August events: Join Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta

Every year, Bristol plays host to Europe’s largest hot air balloon event, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Launching from Ashton Court Estate’s beautiful grounds at both dawn and dusk, and illuminating the skies in an extravagant evening ‘nightglow’ on selected days, the free four-day event is a fantastic spectacle. 

Over 100 hot air balloons of all shapes, colours and sizes take to the skies with beautiful Bristol providing an incredibly photogenic backdrop. Now one of the UK’s Top 5 Outdoor Events, it attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year and is particularly popular with families. 

Family entertainment onsite includes fairground rides, food stalls and bars, face painting, acoustic music areas and air displays. Helicopter and balloon rides are bookable in advance and both promise an incredible experience.