Over 130,000 spectators over 5 days will enjoy the amazing site of balloons ascending through the Waikato sunrise from 7.00am every morning and Hamilton's biggest night out at the Zuru Nightglow, where the balloons glow to orchestrated music finishing with the best fireworks display in town!
Every event during the week is free admission!
Tuesday 19 March 2019
THE HAMILTON OPENING PARTY
From 7.00am approx.
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
This spectacular festival begins its programme with the mass inflation of balloons at Innes Common. Come celebrate the first day of our 20th birthday celebrations, share some birthday cake and witness this breath-taking opening morning of the 2019 event. The balloons commence inflation and mass lift off from the beautiful lakeside at Innes Common.
Wednesday 20 March 2019
THE GRASSROOTS TRUST BIRTHDAY BASH
From 7.00am approx.
Balloons commence inflation - Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.
Day 2 of birthday celebrations sees all the balloons inflate and prepare to take to the skies above Hamilton.
Thursday 21 March 2019
THE WEL ENERGY TRUST BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST (In association with the Gallagher Chiefs)
From 7.00am approx.
Our birthday celebrations continue on day 3. Roll out of bed and bring the family to see the balloons lift off. The first 2,000 people will also enjoy breakfast on us.
Also come meet The Gallagher Chiefs, a great chance to get an autograph or photo and have a chat to the players. What better way to have a bite to eat with the family, than whilst sharing the experience of this magical sight at Innes Common.
Friday 22 March 2019
FIRST CREDIT UNION FRIDAY FESTIVAL
From 7.00am approx.
Enjoy day 4 of our birthday celebrations and share in the fun with First Credit Union who add a market feel to Innes Common with food, games and entertainment. A great way to start the day whilst watching the balloons take to the skies.
BALLOONS VISIT WAIPA
Evening 5.00pm - 8.00pm
Victoria Square, Cambridge
Taking the joy of the event and sharing it with the community with this fun evening planned for those lucky residents of Cambridge and surrounding communities. From 5pm - 8pm there will be loads of food vendors, entertainment, & hot air balloons! Plus, come and experience the magic of a hot air balloon from the inside out with our Walk Through Balloon - and all for just a gold coin donation (in support of our Charity of Choice - Rotary International). All thanks to Waipa District Council.
BALLOONS OVER THAMES
Gates open at 3.30pm for kite flying - 8.00pm
Thames Racecourse
For the first time ever, this amazing festival will be shared with the community of Thames. The locals will be delighted by food vendors, entertainment and the spectacle that are our 2019 Special Shaped Balloons. So bring the family out for a very special evening, all thanks to the Thames Business Association and Totally Thames.
THE CITY BURN AND MARKETS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HAMILTON CENTRAL
Evening 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Garden Place, Hamilton City
Celebrating another aspect of our fabulous city, the Hamilton Central Business Association brings the festival to Garden Place on Friday night! Surround yourselves in a family friendly atmosphere, with delicious food and markets and get your groove on with live music from Enigma. This evening will culminate with a spectacular choreographed basket burn, all set to music, at 8.00pm. Make sure you don't miss this one.
Saturday 23 March 2019
MCDONALDS HAMILTON'S HAPPY BIRTHDAY - featuring the Cash Grab
From 7.00am approx
Balloons commence inflation - Other side of Innes Common
Day 5 of our birthday and the last day of flying at the event. Don't miss the opportunity to see all of our balloons for the last time. Marvel at the skill as balloonists attempt to grab a key off the top of a pole to win $1,000. The balloonists will also compete in the Shortest Distance Competition, where they see who can hit the bullseye whilst flying the shortest distance possible.
THE ZURU NIGHTGLOW
From 4.00pm - 9.00pm approx.
The University of Waikato, Hamilton
Don't miss our big 20th Birthday Party and the highlight of the festival. This night really has it all with carnival entertainment, loads of food and market vendors, and five hours of live music from our line-up of talented local and national bands. Of course the Zuru Nightglow would not be the same without the breathtakingly stunning Balloon Glow Show, and topping off the night with our dramatic fireworks finale. Come celebrate with us!
