The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic is the oldest hot-air balloon race in the mid-South. It started in Decatur, Alabama in 1978.
The sport of Hot-Air Ballooning had come to Decatur only a few years prior. The City of Decatur had decided to purchase a hot-air balloon but now needed pilots to fly it. So the salesman of the balloon agreed to train three pilots to fly the city’s new balloon.
May 25th – May 26th, 2024
Established: 1978 ——————————————— Number of Balloons 65
It is an awesome festival with a lot of activities other than the balloons. It is neat that the crowd gets to be so close to the balloons.
Great hot air balloon festival, and admission is FREE! Every Memorial Day weekend. Balloon “races” Saturday and Sunday, with fun flights/tethered rides/glows both evenings. Wander the field chatting with pilots and crews. Volunteer to crew and you never know – you might be invited to ride!