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Balloon & Rib Fest

Balloon & Rib Fest
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​COVID-19 Update
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Due to COVID-19, we are unsure if this event will be able to happen in 2021. We have began our planning process but know 2021 will depend on local COVID-19 numbers, vaccination rollout, and guidelines from local and state officials. Please check back for updates on this event.

Save the Date: July 8-11, 2021
Wausau Downtown Airport
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NO CARRY-IN'S          NO PETS           NO SMOKING          NO FIREARMS/WEAPONS
Balloon & Rib Fest, Ribs
The official site of the Wausau Balloon Rally! Voted Wausau’s Favorite Event five years running, the Balloon & Rib Fest has something for everyone. Don’t believe us? We’ve got: Hot air balloons, Rib Vendors, kites, animals, bounce houses, fantastic food, and the LARGEST fireworks show in the region - NOW 3 NIGHTS!
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Don't forget to sign up for the Balloon Chase 5K Run/Walk! More details HERE


​REMINDER: LAYOUT OF EVENT HAS CHANGED! 
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  • EVENT ENTRANCES: Elmwood Blvd & Emerson St
  • Handicap parking at Airport Park (155 Lake View Drive, Wausau, WI, 54403)
  • FREE shuttle (Route Map) offered by Metro Ride that runs all the way from Downtown Wausau's 400 Block where Chalkfest & Sidewalk Sales will be taking place to Balloon & Rib Fest at the Wausau Downtown Airport! There are several parking lots and ramps available in Downtown Wausau that are just a short walk to the 400 Block! (Downtown Parking Map).
  • As a safety precaution, no parking will be allowed on either side of Lake View Drive throughout the event, as well as one side of both Kent and Marshall Street (not pictured on the map - there will be signs designating these areas as 'No Parking'). These measures are put into place to increase safety of pedestrians and also to alleviate the congestion that makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to access the event.
Complete Schedule of Events
HOTELS

Balloon Information:
If the weather is favorable for the hot air balloons, launches/glows will happen at the following times:
Thursday: 6pm launch  8:30pm glow
Friday:6pm launch 8:30pm glow
Saturday: 6am/6pm launch 8:30pm glow

Sunday: 6am launch

BALLOON GLOW:
Balloons inflate and light themselves from within. The sight of hot air balloons lit up like giant light bulbs is breathtaking. Pilots will coordinate ‘all burns’ where they fire up their burners illuminating their balloons all at once and also perform ‘count downs’.

Please keep in mind weather is a MAJOR factor in the balloons to launch and glow. Although it may be sunny and seemingly “perfect” out, wind is always a factor. The pilots want to show off their beautiful balloons and will attempt to launch/glow at all Opportunities


There are no hot air balloon rides at this event.
Schedule of Events
FAQ's
HOTELS
Other Activities
There are kids games, the Balloon Chase 5K, a petting zoo,  live music, beer garden, 3 night of fireworks, Yoga and more! Click below for the complete schedule of events!

Schedule of Events
Shuttle Bus Route

​Rib Information:
There are 7 rib vendors that come to Rib Fest, which takes place at the airport as well. The prices will vary. There is a contest for best ribs, so be sure to try more than 1 vendors’ ribs and vote using the text messaging service! 

2019 RIB VENDORS
-Sgt Oinks BBQ Co.
-Urban Street Bistro
-Austin's Texas Lightning
-Chicago BBQ Company
-Texas Thunder BBQ
-The Barbeque Company
-Texas Outlaw BBQ
There are other food vendors at the festival if you do not want ribs! Prices vary.

​Please NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT IN!

​NO CARRY-IN'S         NO PETS            NO SMOKING          NO FIREARMS/WEAPONS

Map of Event Layout & Parking
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BALLOON & RIB FEST

2020 Sponsors
Greenheck foundation sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Covantage Credit Union sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Balloon Sponsor
Fabiano Brothers sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Eye Clinic of Wisconsin sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Photo Booth & Saturday Balloon Glow Sponsor
Remax sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Balloon Sponsor
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US Bank sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Balloon Sponsor
Wausau Smiles Dental sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Friday Balloon Glow Sponsor
Pepsi sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
Wausau WI. sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
France Propane Service sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
News line 9 sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
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Meter Pedestal Sponsor
Sun Printing sponsor for Wausau Balloon and Rib Fest
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This event was founded by Steve Woller & Handcrafted Furniture Balloon Rides.

Take a look at the 2017 YouTube Video!

Photos From The Past

Looking to make a difference in the community? 

Volunteering with us it is a fun way to do it! Be in your favorite events helping the Community grow! Volunteers are a very important piece to keep our events running and happening


316 Scott Street
​Wausau, WI 54403
execdir@wausauevents.org
  • Home
  • About
    • Overview
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
  • Events
    • Concerts on the Square
    • Balloon and Rib Fest
    • Virtual Chalkfest Wausau 2020
    • Balloon Chase Run the Runway 5K Run/Walk
    • Big Bull Falls Blues Fest
    • Harvest Fest
    • Holiday Parade
  • Sponsors
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Vendors
  • Contact Us