BALLOON & RIB FEST

Save the Date: July 9-12, 2020
Wausau Downtown Airport

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

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!

Don't forget to sign up for the Balloon Chase 5K Run/Walk! More details HERE

REMINDER: LAYOUT OF EVENT HAS CHANGED!

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