Join us and enjoy the magic of Hot Air Ballooning, where balloons and pilots from around NZ and the World take to the Waikato Skies.
Whether you join us for our morning flying events at Innes Common Hamilton, be amazed by The ZURU Nightglow or just pop outside in your jammies each morning to wave as our balloons float by, this event is for you.
The ZURU Nightglow is a FREE ticketed event.
HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL OPENING FIESTA
Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
FREE, no ticket required.
GRASSROOTS TRUST WALK-THRU BALLOON
The Grassroots Trust Walk-Thru Balloon will be at all 6 flying mornings and the ZURU Nightglow.
Time: Innes Common 6:30-9:30am | ZURU Nightglow 3:00-7.00pm
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
$2 per person, cash or eftpos available.
Step inside the magic with our Grassroots Trust Walk-Thru Balloon experience, where you can wander through the inside of a real hot air balloon and see just how big these colourful giants really are.
Disclaimer: This experience is weather dependent. Times may change depending on conditions and operational requirements on the ground.
THE ZURU NIGHTGLOW
Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
Gates open 4pm | Gates close 8pm
Location: University of Waikato
FREE, ticket required.
CASH GRAB
Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
FREE, no ticket required.
FLYING MORNING
Date: Monday 23 March 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
FREE, no ticket required.
WEL ENERGY TRUST MUFFINS IN THE MORNING
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
FREE, no ticket required.
BALLOONS VISIT SOUTH WAIKATO
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Time: 5:30-10pm
Location: War Memorial Sports Ground, Tokoroa
FREE, no ticket required.
FLYING MORNING
Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
FREE, no ticket required.
FIRST CREDIT UNION THURSDAY FUN DAY
Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
FREE, no ticket required.
THE BASE BASKET BURN
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Time: 6-7:45pm
Location: Te Awa, The Base
FREE, no ticket required.
LOVE THE CENTRE WALK-THRU BALLOON
Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
Time: 1-4pm
Location: Garden Place, Hamilton Central
FREE, no ticket required.
All Festival Events
Morning Flights and Competitive Flying
Pilots are competing in exciting daily challenges, showcasing their skill in navigating the skies.
Hamilton City Council Opening Fiesta
Make the most of this magical week by getting up early to join in the fun at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.
ZURU Nightglow
A fun family event open to for all public to attend. The ZURU Nightglow is a FREE ticketed event.
WEL Energy Trust Muffins in the Morning
Make the most of this magical week by getting up early to join in the fun at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.
Balloons Visit South Waikato
A free, family-friendly evening in Tokoroa with hot air balloons, live entertainment and food trucks.
First Credit Union Thursday Fun Day
Make the most of this magical week by getting up early to join in the fun at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.
The Base Basket Burn
The Base have teamed up with Balloons Over Waikato again to bring the Basket Burn to the Base.
Love the Center Walk-Thru Balloon
Head into the heart of the city and step inside a real hot air balloon at Garden Place.