Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026: Day Three
All you need to know about the third day of the Fiesta
Balloon enthusiasts in Bristol are eager for favourable weather conditions this Sunday (9th August) during the 48th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Gates at Ashton Court will open at 5:30am, welcoming visitors for the first mass ascent scheduled at 6am, weather conditions permitting.
As the festival continues, hundreds of thousands of attendees are expected to enjoy a day filled with balloons, entertainment, and various activities.
What's on in 2026?
The third day of the Fiesta will feature beloved events, including mass ascents taking place twice daily.
The spectacular nightglow event will also take place, with 12 balloons lighting up to music, offering a breathtaking visual experience.
Visitors can explore the "In The Clouds" experience, allowing them to walk inside a partially inflated balloon while enjoying archive footage commemorating Bristol's ballooning history and the soundscape of a flight.
Getting to the Fiesta
The Balloon Fiesta is being held at Ashton Court and entry to the site is free, although car parking incurs a fee.
Walking and cycling to the site is recommended, and a shuttle bus service operates to accommodate attendees.
Shuttle services will be available from Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre to Ashton Court, as well as from Ashton Court for departures.
More information about travelling to the Fiesta can be found here.
The weather
Weather conditions are vital for the success of the hot air balloon flights.
Ideally, the conditions should be dry with light winds, as strong winds can make balloon control in the air difficult, whereas no wind renders them stationary.
Sunday's forecast indicates favourable conditions with dry, hot, and sunny weather.