Every Bristolian has been there. You’re on a walk or sitting in a pub garden with a friend when they suddenly interrupt your conversation by pointing joyfully at the sky. It’s not a bird, nor a plane: it’s a hot air balloon. Despite having already seen five this summer, you take a photo, cause they’re just so cool.
The Bristol Balloon Fiesta comes around every year, and yet is always just as exciting as ever. There’s something magical about seeing hot-air balloons in real life, especially when there’s so many of them dancing across the sky.
The fiesta is back this weekend for another brilliant year, and as always, is free to attend. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025 dates
The fiesta this year is scheduled for this weekend, spread across Friday August 8, Saturday August 9, and Sunday August 10. Whether or not the balloons take flight is pretty weather dependent, but this year is looking dry so far, which is positive.
Location
While the balloons can be seen far across the city, they take off from the fiesta grounds at Ashton Court in southwest Bristol.
Timings
There are two ascents each (when all of the balloons actually float off into the sky) each day, at 6am and 6pm. In between, there are loads of events including model balloon displays, kids entertainment, family yoga, and loads more.
Each day ends with something called ‘Nightglow’, where the balloons use their burners to light up the site ‘to a soundtrack of inspiring music by BBC Radio Bristol to bring the party atmosphere and the crowd to their feet’. That’s at 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
The fiesta will come to a close at 6.30pm on Sunday.
You can see a full timetable of events for the weekend here.
Do you need a ticket?
The fiesta is free for all, so you don’t need a ticket unless you are travelling by car, in which case you’ll need to pay to enter the car park. This money goes towards funding the festival and you can purchase your parking tickets here.
There are also hospitality passes available, which give you access to a VIP lounge with free wi-fi, private toilets, and a free tea or coffee. Unfortunately, these are mostly sold out, although a few remain for Sunday which you can buy here.
The best places to watch Bristol Balloon Fiesta
If you don’t fancy trekking to Ashton Court for the best views, there are plenty of places around the city that offer excellent viewing spots too.
Perhaps the next best is by the Clifton Observatory, atop the hill right next to the suspension bridge and the Avon Gorge. Here you’ve got the benefit of height – so no buildings obstructing your views – and proximity to the event.
The Clifton Downs are also a good option for a less crowded place to watch the balloons take flight. Head to the Sea Walls at the far end of the downs for stunning views over the gorge which pair excellently with the
Along the harbour there are loads of great places to watch, but we especially recommend the harbourside in Hotwells, where the balloons will pass directly overhead as they fly over the city from the west.
Finally, you can never go wrong with Brandon Hill. Even though you won’t be able to see Ashton Court from there to watch the balloons take off, there’s plenty of benches to sit and take in the views with an early morning coffee from one of the many nearby cafés.
The best time to go to the fiesta
If you want to watch the ascent be prepared for an early morning. The morning ascent begins at 6am, and the VIP grounds open an hour before, at 5am.
However, there are events and activities throughout the day, and an evening ascent at 6pm, so if you don’t fancy getting up before the sun you don’t have to worry about missing anything. If you want to see the skies lit up by the balloons, make sure to be about half an hour before the ascent to get a good spot to sit and enjoy the views.
Car parking
As previously mentioned, you need a specific ticket to park at the venue. There are two car parks set aside for the event, as well as separate ones for motorbikes and those with extra accessibility requirements, and all of them still have space. Parking starts at £20, and you can get your tickets here.
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