BALLOON & RIB FEST

PRESENTED BY TUNDRALAND

July 12-15, 2018
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!

The fun starts on Thursday, July 12 and runs through Sunday, July 15 in 2018!

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

SPONSORS

Interested in becoming a sponsor in 2018?
Contact Sara Hujar at execdir@wausauevents.org or 715-297-9531.

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!

2017 RIB VENDORS
-My Happy Place
-Sargent Oinks
-Texas Thunder - WINNER BEST OVERALL RIBS
-The BBQ Company - WINNER BEST SAUCE
-Chicago BBQ - WINNER PEOPLE'S CHOICE
-Aussom Aussie
-Austin's Texas Lightning

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

2018 Sponsors