Balloon & Rib Fest
UPDATE
Wausau Events is responsible to follow federal, state, and local guidance as it relates to the safety of our events. During the current pandemic, there are additional considerations that must be taken. Given the complexity of Balloon & Rib Fest, significant challenges, including planning, operations, and safety, make hosting an event of this size and specifications a significant financial, human, and logistical challenge. Given this, the board of directors voted to pause this event in 2021. Ultimately, the safety of our community - all attendees, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and staff - coupled with the long-term viability of this event and our organization, led to this decision.
Other events we host throughout the year are done so on a much different scale and require very different commitments. We will continue to pursue putting on events in 2021 that are deemed to be safe and manageable. In the coming weeks and months, we will also continue to review the latest guidance from federal and local health departments and are hopeful we may be able to host other events. Please stay tuned for updates as the summer event season approaches.
Wausau Events is responsible to follow federal, state, and local guidance as it relates to the safety of our events. During the current pandemic, there are additional considerations that must be taken. Given the complexity of Balloon & Rib Fest, significant challenges, including planning, operations, and safety, make hosting an event of this size and specifications a significant financial, human, and logistical challenge. Given this, the board of directors voted to pause this event in 2021. Ultimately, the safety of our community - all attendees, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and staff - coupled with the long-term viability of this event and our organization, led to this decision.
Other events we host throughout the year are done so on a much different scale and require very different commitments. We will continue to pursue putting on events in 2021 that are deemed to be safe and manageable. In the coming weeks and months, we will also continue to review the latest guidance from federal and local health departments and are hopeful we may be able to host other events. Please stay tuned for updates as the summer event season approaches.
July 2022
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
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.
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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. |
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!
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
BALLOON & RIB FEST
2020 Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Balloon Sponsor
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Photo Booth & Saturday Balloon Glow Sponsor
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Balloon Sponsor
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Balloon Sponsor
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Friday Balloon Glow Sponsor
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Meter Pedestal Sponsor
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This event was founded by Steve Woller & Handcrafted Furniture Balloon Rides.
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Take a look at the 2017 YouTube Video!
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Photos From The Past
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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 |
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