Hudson Hot Air Affair

The Hudson Hot Air Affair is the Midwest’s premier winter ballooning event and winter festival. Thousands of visitors head to the St. Croix Valley community in west central Wisconsin, and residents make it a homecoming every year on the first weekend of February. About 35 colorful hot air balloons, including unique shapes, launch in mass ascensions on Saturday and Sunday mornings and light up the night at the Saturday evening Moon Glow or Field of Fire. Balloonists traditionally attend from Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.
Over the years, the event has seen aeronauts from New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. A full schedule of fun winter events throughout the Hudson community brings delight to residents and visitors alike. Where else could you find a costumed torchlight parade, marching kazoo bands, smooshboarding, hot air balloons, and a vast chili cook-off on the same weekend? Founded in 1990 through the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, the festival is sponsored by Hudson Hot Air Affair Inc., a non-profit volunteer community organization.

February 7th – February 9th, 2025

Established: 1990 —————————————————————–Number of Balloons: 35