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Canowindra International Balloon Challenge

Canowindra International Balloon Challenge

The Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is a spectacular event that turns the sky into a fiesta of colour with vibrant hot air balloons reaching up into the sky.

Each year, the sky bursts to life when all of the hot air balloons take flight in the completion and commercial flying, and it is unlike anything you have ever seen before!

Canowindra International Balloon Challenge 2024 Dates, Program & Tickets

The Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is held annually in the second week of the NSW school holidays. During the event, the town welcomes over 10,000 visitors to see the balloons. This time of year has ideal weather, including calm wind currents and cool temperatures.

Balloon Challenge Competition

Every year, pilots from all over Australia and overseas gather at Canowindra to enjoy the challenge of the sport of competition ballooning, colouring the sky over this amazing landscape.

Weather permitting, the balloons will launch daily soon after sunrise. The launch sites for the pilots competing in the challenge will vary depending on the wind direction. Fiesta pilots (not competing) will usually launch from the Canowindra Sports Ovals.

When you are out, enjoy watching the balloons decorate the sky and landscape. However, for safety, keep your eyes on the road and pull over in a safe place well off the road if you would like to watch the action.

The competitive events in a balloon competition are called tasks. The Competition Director can specify several tasks for each flight. The tasks for a particular flight are determined before the flight commences after assessing the weather and various other factors.

Competition flights require pilots to exercise skill in manoeuvering their balloons over a set course of tasks with goals, targets, scoring areas, time and distance limits. The pilot steers the balloon by utilising the wind currents at hand. Generally, the wind will vary in direction and speed at different altitudes. By climbing or descending into these layers of air, the pilot can manoeuvre the balloon onto a preferred line of travel towards their targets.

Cabonne Community Balloon Glow

The Cabonne Community Glow is the signature event of the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge. It will be an amazing, family-friendly spectacle that should not be missed, and it will take place on 27 April 2024.

To be held at the Canowindra Sports Oval, the 2024 event will be headlined by 15 hot air balloons. They will inflate just after sunset and then light up like giant 20-metre-high lightbulbs, synchronising their lights to a mix of the best music over the last 20 years. It is a spectacle you will never forget.

It’s not all about the balloons, though! The headline act for the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is Zac & George. Originally inspired by the iconic duo Simon and Garfunkel, Zac & George have continued to broaden their musical taste, most recently opening for James Johnston at a sold-out show at the 2023 Tamworth Music Festival.

At the Cabonne community night markets, you will also find a range of local food and wine offerings that will tempt you to eat and drink more than you should. Bring a blanket, pick a spot on the green grass, and enjoy the afternoon.

This is for only $10 per adult and $2 for under 18s (plus booking fee). You would be crazy to be anywhere else!

This event will take place rain, hail, or shine. Some weather may be too unsafe to inflate the balloons, but the Entertainment and Night Markets will still go ahead. Please feel free to bring chairs as long as they are low to avoid people not being able to see behind you. Even better, bring a picnic blanket.

Björn Again

Get ready to experience an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and pure fun as the Canowindra Balloon Challenge, in conjunction with Roundbox Events, presents the Bjorn Again Show in Canowindra on Friday, April 26th, 2024.

Sing and dance along to all of ABBA’s greatest hits as performed by the talented musicians of Bjorn Again. With their incredible stage presence, stunning costumes, and impeccable musical talents, Bjorn Again will transport you back to the 70s and 80s to relive the golden age of disco and pop music.

Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or simply love great music and dancing, this show is not to be missed. So mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and join us at the Canowindra Sports Complex on the Oval for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Arrive early to grab a spot near the stage and enjoy some delicious food and drinks from our vendors. This event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

The Candowindra International Balloon Challenge is a visually spectacular experience that all visitors will surely enjoy.

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What date is the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge?
What time is the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge?
Cabonne Community Glow
27 April, 2024: 3pm - 10pm

Bjorn Again Canowindra
26 April, 2024: 5pm - 9pm

Please visit our website for more information on the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.
Where is the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge located?
What is the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge address?
What are the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge entry prices?
Cabonne Community Glow
Adults (18+): $10 + booking fee
Children (Under 18yrs): $2 + booking fee

Bjorn Again Canowindra
Adult: $55 + Booking Fee
Concession: $40 + Booking Fee
Child (13 - 17yrs): $40 + Booking Fee
Child (5 - 12yrs): $25 + Booking Fee
Child (0 - 4yrs): Free

Please visit our website for more information on the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.
What is the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge phone number?

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