Starting on the 7th August, Bristol Balloon Fiesta lights up the skies over Ashton Court, with twice‑daily mass ascents and night glow displays that draw crowds from across the UK. It’s a three‑day festival packed with opportunity, not only to watch balloons, but to pair the spectacle with unforgettable local experiences. Here’s your guide to making the most of the spectacular Balloon Fiesta week, all bookable right now on Yuup.
Balloon watching and street food eating
Add a hands-on, flavour-filled experience to your weekend. Get up nice and early to catch Sunday mornings ascent then wander back into town along North Street, stopping for a coffee at Swevern, before heading to this delicious food tour at Wapping Wharf. A perfect city-based counterpoint to balloon-spotting mornings.
Wapping Wharf Street Food Tour: Saturday 8th August, 2pm
Stretch and catch the balloons from the water
When the Fiesta crowds pack Ashton Court, the harbour is a peaceful counterpoint to catch the flight. This workshop combines a stand up paddleboard first half down the Bristol harbourside, with a second half of a SUP Yoga class. Enjoy this peaceful morning on the harbour, honing in on balance and a different perspective on the water.
Book Harbourside Paddleboarding Yoga: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th, 7am
Time to get crafty
If the weather isn't quite playing ball, or you're after something relaxing after a morning at Ashton Court, spend a couple of hours getting creative.
From graffiti workshops to screenprinting, these sessions are ideal for families, couples or friends looking for a slower-paced afternoon near the fiesta site.
Book this weekend:
Wildflower and Copper Foiling Workshop
Build your own jungle terrarium
Make your own mug experiences
Hot air balloon flight over Bristol
Experience the festival from above with a hot air balloon flight, drifting serenely over Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and the harbourside into the countryside. It’s the ultimate Balloon Fiesta experience, and dates are running during Fiesta Fortnight.
Screen print your own balloon-inspired tote or tee
Celebrate the fiesta in style by designing a balloon-themed tote bag or t-shirt at this screen printing workshop. Whether you bring your own balloon sketch or pick from ready-made templates, you’ll leave with a very Bristolian souvenir to remember the weekend by.
Book a screenprinting workshop: Saturday 9th and Sunday 9th August, 2:30pm
Step inside Ashton Court Mansion House
Already heading to the Balloon Fiesta? Make the most of your visit with a trip inside Ashton Court Mansion.
Choose a Self-Guided House Open Day to explore the mansion's historic rooms at your own pace, or venture behind the scenes on the Derelict Areas Tour, which takes you into normally inaccessible parts of the building, including the atmospheric Gothic Billiard Room.
Both experiences take place within the Balloon Fiesta site, making them the perfect addition to your day.
Book a tour at Ashton Court Masion: Saturday 8th August, Sunday 9th August
Watch the magical nightglow
No Balloon Fiesta weekend is complete without experiencing the Nightglow. Held on Friday and Saturday night, the display sees tethered balloons light up in time with music, like a glowing orchestra in the night sky. Why not start your evening with a wine and cheese flight from North Street’s KASK, before heading down to Ashton Court for the 9pm display?
Book a wine and cheese flight: availability all weekend, 7th-9th August
Whether you're watching balloons ascend at dawn from Ashton Court, gliding across the harbour, or getting crafty in town, Balloon Fiesta week is the perfect time to pair sky-high awe with unique local experiences. Treat yourself to more than just the balloons, and discover Bristol from all angles this August.
