Something truly magical happens when artistry and nature combine, as it does at the annual Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic. This colorful event has taken place every year for the past three decades, so consider this year’s festival a must if you have yet to experience its festivities. Watch as dozens of creative and vibrant balloons launch into the air and fly over Sonoma County. This is one hot air balloon festival in Northern California that’s bound to leave you in awe.
Celebrating 32 years this June is the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic. Start making plans now to attend this year’s event, which will take place on June 4th and June 5th, 2022.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
This annual two-day event has become a favorite among many, and it’s clear why. It’s not very often you get to see so many colorful and creative balloons take off into the air at one time! It’s a sight that’s worth setting your alarm early for.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
The hot air balloon classic takes place at Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Gates will open to the event each morning at 4 a.m. Yes, it’s early, but it’s worth it. The main balloon launch occurs around 6:30 a.m. each morning.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
Approximately 30 balloons participate in the main balloon launch every year, and it’s truly a sight to be seen. Each balloon is unique in its own way. Some of the balloons are colorful orbs whereas others are formed in the shapes of popular characters.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
After the main launch, visitors are welcome to participate in tethered balloon rides. Tethered rides are just $15 and can be purchased during the event or online ahead of time. Both children and adults are welcome to partake!
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
The festival also boasts a wide selection of food booths, craft booths, and a children’s play area. Everybody - no matter how old or young - will be enthralled with all there is to do and look at, so be sure to bring the whole family.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
Tickets are currently on sale for this popular hot air balloon launch, so consider purchasing yours soon. They are available on the classic’s official website and are $15 for adults, $7 for children, and free for kids under 2. Don’t miss it!
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
Have you attended this beloved hot air balloon classic before? It’s never too early to start making plans for this year’s event. It’s one thing to watch these balloons take off, and another thing entirely to ride in one. See what it’s like with this hot air balloon adventure in Northern California.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic/Facebook
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Address: 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot Air Balloon Festival in Northern California May 27, 2022 Tori Jane Where is the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic? The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic is an annual hot air balloon event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. And, yes – of course, you can ride in the balloons! If it’s too warm or there’s too much breeze, however, rides will not be offered. It’s an early-morning event in Santa Rosa, California, and guests should plan to wake up super early for the festivities. The first balloons launch prior to sunrise at 5 a.m. and the event ends around 10:30 a.m., once it begins warming up. What are the best summer festivals in Northern California? California is an enormous state with thousands of things to do all over at any given time. Among the most fun things to do in Northern California include awesome summer festivals, which you can find almost anywhere throughout most of the season. Our favorite summer festivals in Northern California include gems like the High Sierra Music Festival, in Quincy, and the Eureka Street Art Festival in, you guessed it, Eureka, which is a delight and a half. We also love the Redwood Coast Music Festival, in Eureka, and the California State Fair is a must-do festival in Northern California as well. Where can I go on hot air balloon rides in Northern California? There are many agencies that provide wonderful hot air balloon rides in Northern California. Depending on where you’d like to fly, there are many options; should you be in Napa Valley, we love Napa Valley Aloft, where all your hot air ballooning dreams can come true over the stunning, green hills of wine country. In the same area, there is also Balloons Above the Valley, and Sky Drifters is a great little operation out of Rancho Murieta. Whether this is a new interest, or you’ve wanted to go hot air ballooning in Northern California for your whole life, what better time to do it than right now? Start planning for an epic adventure now!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot Air Balloon Festival in Northern California
May 27, 2022
Tori Jane
Where is the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic? The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic is an annual hot air balloon event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. And, yes – of course, you can ride in the balloons! If it’s too warm or there’s too much breeze, however, rides will not be offered. It’s an early-morning event in Santa Rosa, California, and guests should plan to wake up super early for the festivities. The first balloons launch prior to sunrise at 5 a.m. and the event ends around 10:30 a.m., once it begins warming up. What are the best summer festivals in Northern California? California is an enormous state with thousands of things to do all over at any given time. Among the most fun things to do in Northern California include awesome summer festivals, which you can find almost anywhere throughout most of the season. Our favorite summer festivals in Northern California include gems like the High Sierra Music Festival, in Quincy, and the Eureka Street Art Festival in, you guessed it, Eureka, which is a delight and a half. We also love the Redwood Coast Music Festival, in Eureka, and the California State Fair is a must-do festival in Northern California as well. Where can I go on hot air balloon rides in Northern California? There are many agencies that provide wonderful hot air balloon rides in Northern California. Depending on where you’d like to fly, there are many options; should you be in Napa Valley, we love Napa Valley Aloft, where all your hot air ballooning dreams can come true over the stunning, green hills of wine country. In the same area, there is also Balloons Above the Valley, and Sky Drifters is a great little operation out of Rancho Murieta. Whether this is a new interest, or you’ve wanted to go hot air ballooning in Northern California for your whole life, what better time to do it than right now? Start planning for an epic adventure now!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic is an annual hot air balloon event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. And, yes – of course, you can ride in the balloons! If it’s too warm or there’s too much breeze, however, rides will not be offered. It’s an early-morning event in Santa Rosa, California, and guests should plan to wake up super early for the festivities. The first balloons launch prior to sunrise at 5 a.m. and the event ends around 10:30 a.m., once it begins warming up.
What are the best summer festivals in Northern California?
California is an enormous state with thousands of things to do all over at any given time. Among the most fun things to do in Northern California include awesome summer festivals, which you can find almost anywhere throughout most of the season. Our favorite summer festivals in Northern California include gems like the High Sierra Music Festival, in Quincy, and the Eureka Street Art Festival in, you guessed it, Eureka, which is a delight and a half. We also love the Redwood Coast Music Festival, in Eureka, and the California State Fair is a must-do festival in Northern California as well.
Where can I go on hot air balloon rides in Northern California?
There are many agencies that provide wonderful hot air balloon rides in Northern California. Depending on where you’d like to fly, there are many options; should you be in Napa Valley, we love Napa Valley Aloft, where all your hot air ballooning dreams can come true over the stunning, green hills of wine country. In the same area, there is also Balloons Above the Valley, and Sky Drifters is a great little operation out of Rancho Murieta. Whether this is a new interest, or you’ve wanted to go hot air ballooning in Northern California for your whole life, what better time to do it than right now? Start planning for an epic adventure now!
