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Dawn inflation and launch
At first light the envelopes are laid out, inflated and fired up until they stand and lift off, right in front of you on the lawns.
Festivals & traditions
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Balloons at the 2017 Canberra Balloon Spectacular; a file photo. · Report image rightsCanberra · AustraliaFestivals & traditions
2027.03.13 — 2027.03.21 · Coming soon
Balloons into the dawn sky.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2027
Every autumn the Canberra Balloon Spectacular brings balloonists from across Australia and abroad to fly over the city. From Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 March 2027, balloons launch each morning, weather permitting, from the Parliamentary Triangle. Watch them laid out, inflated and fired up on the launch lawns, or take photos from around the lake and the Arboretum. To go up yourself, Balloon Aloft runs festival passenger flights of about 45–60 minutes (allow 3–4 hours in all), with routes set by the wind; it hosted the first Canberra balloon festival in 1996.
GOWOAH / Canberra
A REASON TO GO
A REASON TO GO
Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra2027.03.13 — 2027.03.21Festivals & traditionsFree admission
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
02
Balloons over the lake
Or watch from around Lake Burley Griffin and the Arboretum as balloons drift over the city.
Festivals & traditions03
See the city from a balloon
Balloon Aloft’s festival flights last about 45–60 minutes and end with champagne, on a route set by the wind.
Festivals & traditionsProgramme, background & sources
Checked · 2026-10-16
A LITTLE CLOSER
A closer look.
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2018 · Nick-D · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights
MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE
Does this fit what you are looking for?
This could be for you if you are…
- Early risers
- Families with children
Before you decide
Launches depend on the weather and can be cancelled on the day.
You need to be there before sunrise.
Flights are booked and paid separately.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
This edition’s launch-site map is not out yet.
Open official guide ↗FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
Make a plan that works for you.
Dates & times
2027.03.13 — 2027.03.21Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 March 2027 (Canberra time), launching each dawn weather permitting; daily times to be announced.
Australia/SydneyMore programme details
- Dawn inflation and launch
- Balloons over the lake
- See the city from a balloon
Venue & travel
Parliamentary Triangle, CanberraLaunches are from the Parliamentary Triangle on the south side of Lake Burley Griffin; check the organiser for early-morning transport and parking.
Entry & companions
Launches are at dawn and decided on the day according to the weather. Watching is free; passenger flights are booked separately with Balloon Aloft (ages 6 and up, children 6–12 with an adult).
Tickets & access
Free to watch · flights from AUD 345.68
Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.
Sources & image credits
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
Nick-D · CC BY-SA 4.0 Image source
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Balloons at the 2017 Canberra Balloon Spectacular; a file photo.
Information checked on 2026-10-16
Suggest a correction ↗Festivals & traditionsFolk Group Bulgari from Melbourne in costume with welcome bread in the European village at the 2020 festival; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
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