Hot air balloon festivals in Poland are unique events combining sports, entertainment and art. Each year they attract thousands of enthusiasts and tourists, offering spectacular shows of colorful balloons hovering over picturesque landscapes. They provide an opportunity to admire the skills of the pilots and participate in numerous accompanying attractions.
Festivals are held in various regions of the country, from mountainous areas to lowlands, showcasing the unique qualities of each location. The program includes morning and evening flights, night light shows, balloon competitions and cultural and educational events. For many participants, it’s a chance to fulfill the dream of a balloon flight, while for others it’s an opportunity to observe these majestic structures from the ground.
Balloon festivals in Poland are gaining popularity, becoming an important part of the tourism and sports calendar.
Largest balloon festivals in Poland in 2025
The year 2025 promises to be an exciting one for ballooning enthusiasts. Several cities are preparing unique events, attracting experienced pilots and enthusiasts of the sport from home and abroad.
Balloon Festival in Szczecinek
Szczecinek, a picturesque city in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, will host one of the largest balloon festivals in Poland. The event, scheduled for the first days of July 2025, promises to be an extraordinary spectacle in the sky.
The organizers anticipate the participation of 40 balloon crews from Poland, Germany, France, Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic. Such a number of participants will provide spectacular views for thousands of spectators. Szczecinek is famous for its spectacular night shows, which provide an unforgettable experience.
The festival program includes:
- Morning and evening balloon flights
- Night balloon galas with spectacular light shows
- Driving through the streets of the city in a convoy of cars with lighted balloon torches
New 2025: Organizers plan to add a paraglider show on Lake Trzesiecko to the program, which will be the first of its kind at a balloon festival in Poland.
International Ballooning Competition in Naleczow
Naleczow, known for its spa qualities, will become the arena for a prestigious balloon competition in August 2025. The event will combine several important events:
- Polish Women’s Balloon Championship
- International Ballooning Competition
- Balloon Cup of Poland
The competition will take place from August 7-10, 2025. In addition to sports rivalry, the event will attract thousands of tourists. Naleczow, with its picturesque landscape and peaceful atmosphere, is an ideal place for such an event.
Attractions for spectators:
- Spectacular balloon flights over the landscape of Naleczow
- Aerial acrobatic displays
- Performances by musical bands
During the event, booths with regional products will be available to learn about local flavors and traditions.
Mountain Balloon Competition in Krosno
Krosno, a city in southeastern Poland, is preparing the XXV Mountain Ballooning Competition. The event, scheduled for late April/early May 2025, will have a unique significance as Pre Worlds – the competition preceding the 26th World Ballooning Championships in 2026.
The Krosno competition is distinguished by its mountainous nature. Pilots face difficult terrain and strong winds, making it one of the most challenging ballooning events in Europe.
The competition program includes:
- Competition flights in the morning and evening
- Spectacular balloon launches from various locations in and around the city
- Night balloon shows that will light up the Krosno sky
Interesting fact: Krosno, known as the “City of Glass,” becomes known as the “City of Balloons” during the festival, highlighting the importance of the event for the local community and tourism.
Poland’s largest balloon festivals in 2025 promise unforgettable emotions, combining sports, entertainment and regional promotion. Each event has its own unique character, offering spectators a unique experience and spectacular views.
Schedule and locations of balloon events for 2025
Poland’s ballooning calendar for 2025 includes 18 confirmed events in 16 locations. The following overview provides a chronological overview of fiestas and competitions with detailed organizational data.
Małopolska Balloon Festival “Departed Małopolska”
Date: March 27-30, 2025
Location: Nowy Targ airport, 15 Lotnicza St
Inaugural event of the season with the participation of 30 international crews.
Festival program:
- Flights over the Tatra Mountains and Lake Czorsztyńskie
- Precision marker throwing contest from a height of 500 m
- Night illumination show using 15,000 LEDs
News 2025:
- A balloon in the shape of the Malopolska coat of arms with a volume of 4,200 m³
- VR flight simulators for the public
Interesting fact: During one of the flights, a landing is planned on the Chocholowska Glade – the first such attempt in the history of Polish ballooning.
XXV Mountain Ballooning Competition (Pre Worlds 2025)
Deadline: April 30-May 3, 2025
Location: Krosno airport, 292 Lwowska St
Preliminaries to the 2026 World Championships with the participation of 40 crews from 12 countries.
Characteristics of the competition:
- Routes 50-100 km through the Bieszczady Mountains and Dynowskie Foothills
- GPS tracking system with position update every 5 seconds
- Night shows with laser projections on the clouds
Technical data:
- Minimum pilot experience: 150 flight hours
- Maximum allowable wind speed: 5 m/s
Interesting fact: Ecological certificates have been introduced for participants using biopropane.
IV Competition for the Cup of the Marshal of Silesia
Date: June 21-23, 2025
Location: Castle Park in Pszczyna, Solidarity Park in Tychy
Competition of 25 crews in unique competitions.
Event program:
- Landing on a floating platform on Lake Paprocanskie
- Photo contest “Balloon in industrial scenery”
- Paraglider demonstrations with pyrotechnics
Interesting fact: Participants will receive thermal maps showing air currents over Silesia.
International Balloon Festival in Szczecinek
Date: July 4-7, 2025
Location: OSiR grounds at Piłsudskiego Street
The largest event in Poland with the participation of 45 balloons from 15 countries.
Attractions of the festival:
- Night Gala of Lights with music synchronization
- Paraglider shows with illuminations over Lake Trzesiecko
- Workshops on the construction of miniature aerostats
Interesting fact: There will be an attempt to break the Guinness record in the number of simultaneous balloon launches.
Balloon Cup of Poland in Paczków
Date: July 25-27, 2025
Location: Municipal Stadium, 15 Kościuszki St
Key ranking competition with the participation of 25 Polish crews.
Competition program:
- Flying over the Opawskie Mountains with avoidance of NATURA 2000 zones
- Precision landing competition on a moving platform
Interesting fact: The winner will receive a hand-decorated cup made of Wallachian crystal.
XXVIII Midsummer Ballooning Competition in Pasłęk
Date: August 14-18, 2025
Location: Sand Valley Golf Course, 8 Kraszewskiego St
A unique edition to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the city.
Competition program:
- Flights over the Elbląg Canal with landings on the golf courses
- Competition “Balloon graffiti” – painting of coatings in flight
- Demonstrations of historic balloons from the 19th century
Interesting fact: The organizers have prepared an educational path about the history of aerostatics.
VII Balloon Fiesta “Narew Valley”
Date: August 22-25, 2025
Location: Narew National Park, Turosń Koscielna
Ecological competition with zero waste principle.
New solutions:
- Using only biodegradable materials
- Competition of navigation using wind power
- Ornithological workshops for children
Interesting fact: Participants will receive air quality sensors for scientific research.
Autumn Technology Picnic in Plock
Deadline: September 20-21, 2025
Location: Nadwislańskie Amphitheater, 1 Stary Rynek St
Season finale with demonstrations of historical and experimental constructions.
Attractions:
- A replica of Jean-Pierre Blanchard’s 1785 balloon.
- Prototype of a hybrid hydrogen airship
- Presentation of autonomous meteorological drones
Interesting fact: The organizers introduced a recycling system for 85% of the used gas.
Krakow Balloon Fiesta Unplugged
Deadline: October 17-19, 2025
Location: Vistula Boulevards, Krakow
Experimental competition without modern technology.
Rules:
- Prohibition of using GPS and radio communication
- Navigation only on the basis of topographic maps 1:50 000
- Mandatory use of traditional compasses
Interesting fact: Participants will receive replicas of historical navigation instruments.
The calendar is supplemented by:
- Competition in Ogrodzieniec (August 2-4) – night starts from the castle courtyard
- Lubelskie Voivodeship Championships (August 15-18) – flights over the Polesieregion
- Skierniewice Festival (September 11-15) – vegetable-shaped balloon shows
Each event has an individual safety protocol approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, adapted to local meteorological and terrain conditions.
Accompanying attractions during Polish balloon fiestas
Polish balloon fiestas in 2025 offer not only spectacular aerostat displays, but also a rich program of accompanying events. The organizers take care of the variety of attractions, combining education, entertainment and promotion of local culture.
Educational and technological zone
During balloon festivals, educational zones, allowing to explore the secrets of aerostatics, are becoming increasingly popular.
- The Krosno – XXV Mountain Ballooning Competition will be enriched by an interactive exhibition of historical navigation instruments. Visitors will see and touch replicas of instruments used by ballooning pioneers.
- Szczecinek – The International Balloon Festival will offer a flight simulator zone. Participants will feel like pilots, testing modern VR devices. The simulations will allow them to understand the principles of balloon control in different atmospheric conditions.
In Nałęczów, during the Polish Balloon Cup, a workshop on constructing miniature hot air balloons will be held. Participants will create and release their aerostats into the air with their own hands.
Cultural and entertainment attractions
Balloon fiestas provide an excellent opportunity to promote local culture and art.
- Krosno – a city known for its glassmaking traditions will present demonstrations by master glassmakers. Glass balloon miniatures will be created in front of the public’s eyes, combining craftsmanship with aerial art.
- Naleczow – evening classical music concerts will be held in a spa atmosphere. Music lovers will listen to a symphony orchestra by the light of floating balloons.
Attractions for the youngest:
- Balloon coating painting workshops
- Contests for the most interesting design of the balloon of the future
- Illusionist shows with aviation motifs
Culinary journey with head in the clouds
Balloon festivals are also a feast for lovers of good cuisine.
-
Szczecinek – a special food truck zone with dishes inspired by aviation. Chefs will prepare:
- “Balloon burgers” with a bun in the shape of a balloon canopy
- “Airborne ice cream” served in cones resembling balloon baskets
- “Cloud cotton candy” in flavors inspired by the colors of balloons
-
Krosno – “Flavors from on High” culinary festival, during which restaurateurs will present dishes prepared with ingredients transported by balloons from various regions of Poland. The event supports local producers and traditional recipes.
Interesting fact: In Naleczow, a well-known confectioner will create Poland’s largest chocolate balloon sculpture. After the festival, it will be divided among the participants.
Attractions accompanying the 2025 balloon fiesta will provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The program combines education, entertainment and regional culture to create an event that will long be remembered by participants.
Balloon competitions as the centerpiece of the 2025 festivals
Balloon competitions are a key highlight of the 2025 Polish balloon festivals. They attract experienced pilots and air sports enthusiasts. Each event is distinguished by its unique character, offering varied competitions and challenges.
XXV Mountain Ballooning Competition in Krosno
Krosno, known as the “City of Glass,” will also become known as the “City of Balloons” in 2025. The XXV Mountain Balloon Competition, scheduled for April 30-May 3, serves as Pre Worlds 2025 – a qualifier for the World Championships.
Characteristics of the competition:
- 14 navigation competitions on routes of 50-100 km
- Advanced GPS tracking system with position updates every 5 seconds
- Minimum requirements for pilots: 150 hours of flight time
Interesting fact: The organizers have introduced ecological certification for crews using biopropane, making the competition one of the greenest in Europe.
Balloon Cup of Poland in Naleczow
Naleczow, a spa town, will host the Balloon Cup of Poland from August 7-10, 2025. The event combines sports competition with the promotion of local attractions.
Main features of the competition:
- Competition in junior and senior categories
- Competitions taking into account the specifics of the area, including flights over the Bystra River valley
- Use of the innovative Balloon Live Sensor (BLS) system for precise measurement of flight parameters
Minimum requirements for pilots: 50 hours of flight as a balloon commander.
International Balloon Festival in Szczecinek
Szczecinek, a picturesque city in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, is hosting the International Balloon Festival on July 4-7, 2025. This is one of the largest events of its kind in Poland, gathering 45 crews from 15 countries.
Highlights of the competition:
- Night shows using 20,000 LED lights
- Competitions on Lake Trzesiecko, requiring precise navigation
- A special category for balloons with unusual shapes
Interesting fact: During the festival in Szczecinek there will be an attempt to break the Guinness record in the number of simultaneously taking off balloons, which increases the prestige of the event.
The 2025 balloon competition is not only an opportunity for sports rivalry, but also a promotion of the regions and their tourist attractions. Each event offers a unique experience, attracting both participants and spectators. The popularity of ballooning in Poland is steadily growing, which is reflected in the growing number of prestigious aerial events.
Night balloon shows as the main attraction of festivals
Night balloon shows have become one of the most anticipated elements of balloon festivals in Poland in 2025. The spectacular shows combine the magic of colorful lights, music and majestic aerostats to create an unforgettable experience.
Night Gala in Szczecinek
The Kurt Hummel International Balloon Festival, scheduled for August 7-10, 2025, offers a unique Night Gala. The event begins with a spectacular drive through the city center. Balloon baskets with lit torches form a procession of lights, and the main show takes place at the OSiR grounds on Pilsudski Street.
During the Night Gala, the balloons are set up in a semicircle in front of the stands on the field. In total darkness, pilots illuminate the aerostats to the rhythm of carefully selected music. The effect is magnified:
- Synchronization of the lights with the music
- Use of laser projectors
- Demonstrations of mini balloons and hot air balloons
Interesting fact: The organizers use an innovative lighting control system that synchronizes more than 20,000 points of light with music, creating three-dimensional images on the surface of the balloons.
Leszczynska Balloon Night
The LesznoBalloon Night, scheduled for August 31, 2025, is the culminating event of the 33rd Enea Leszno Balloon Cup. The show will take place at the Leszno Airport, providing spectators with a unique experience.
A specially prepared viewing area in the shape of a semicircle allows you to feel like you are in the center of the action. The night show, lasting 20 minutes, combines various aerial elements to create a show full of excitement.
Key points of the show:
- Carefully selected music
- Special lighting
- Drone displays
- Pyrotechnic effects
Interesting fact: Advanced 3D mapping technology will be used, allowing animations to be projected directly onto the surface of the balloons. Aerostats will turn into giant screens floating in the air.
Night illuminations in Naleczow
The Balloon Cup of Poland, held August 7-10, 2025, offers night balloon shows in the picturesque scenery of Naleczow.
The illumination of the balloons takes place against the backdrop of the historic Spa Park, which creates a unique atmosphere. The organizers use an advanced 3D mapping system that projects images on the facade of the Malachowski Palace, giving the show additional depth.
Unique elements of the show:
- Integration of illumination with classical music concerts
- Use of the terrain for acoustic effects
- Demonstrations of “ghost balloons” – translucent structures illuminated from within
Interesting fact: Naleczow will be the first city in Poland to use “silent balloon” technology – specially modified burners reduce noise, allowing full immersion in the harmony of music and lights.
Night balloon shows have become not only an attraction of festivals, but also a hallmark of host cities. The shows attract thousands of spectators and support tourism. Each event is distinguished by its unique character, combining the tradition of ballooning with modern audiovisual technologies.
Safety and regulation of balloon flights in Poland
The safety of balloon flights in Poland is subject to strict regulations aimed at maximum protection of pilots, passengers and people on the ground. The 2025 regulations are in line with the latest European Union directives, which have been implemented into Polish aviation law.
Certification and licensing
Proper preparation of balloon pilots is a key component of the safety system. This process includes:
- Completion of theoretical training including 50 hours of lectures on meteorology, navigation, aviation law and balloon operation.
- Receiving practical training, during which the candidate must fly at least 16 hours.
- Passing a theoretical and practical exam before the State Examination Commission.
Once these requirements are met, the pilot is issued a BPL (Balloon Pilot License), authorizing recreational flying. The requirements for commercial pilots are more stringent and include additional training and more hours flown.
Technical inspections and servicing
Balloons are subject to regular technical inspections, which must be carried out by certified maintenance organizations. These include:
- Annual inspection of the shell, basket and burners.
- Inspection of safety systems, including valves and measuring devices.
- Verification of technical documentation and flight log.
Interesting fact: In 2025, an electronic maintenance logging system will be introduced, allowing flight control services to quickly check the condition of equipment.
Flight regulations
Balloon flights in Poland are conducted in accordance with precise airspace regulations. Pilots must comply with the following rules:
- Mandatory reporting of flight plans to the relevant air traffic services.
- Observance of flight altitude restrictions, especially near airports and in controlled areas.
- Maintaining constant radio communication with air traffic control while flying in specific zones.
In 2025, it will be mandatory to equip all commercial balloons with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems to accurately track the balloon’s position in real time.
Insurance and liability
Balloon festival organizers and companies offering commercial flights must have adequate insurance:
- Mandatory liability insurance covering damage to third parties.
- Personal accident insurance for passengers.
- Special insurance policies for the duration of the festivals, covering the increased risk associated with the large number of balloons taking off.
In 2025, a new type of policy was introduced for balloon pilots, covering damage resulting from sudden changes in weather conditions. The initiative was a response to the increasing unpredictability of weather associated with climate change.
The safety and regulation of balloon flights in Poland is constantly being adapted to changing conditions and new technologies. The airspace remains safe for all air traffic participants, and balloon festivals are growing in popularity among aviation enthusiasts.
Summary
Hot air balloon festivals in Poland in 2025 combine tradition, sport and modern technology. The extensive calendar includes 18 events in 16 locations, offering attractions for ballooning enthusiasts and the general public. Prestigious competitions such as the XXV Mountain Ballooning Competition in Krosno, spectacular night shows in Szczecinek and Naleczow give each event a unique character.
The festivals not only promote the sport of ballooning, but also become important cultural and tourist events. Thousands of spectators attracted by the spectacular shows support the local economy. Innovative technologies, including GPS tracking systems and green certifications, enhance safety and reduce environmental impact.
Strict regulations and stringent safety standards ensure that balloon aviation develops responsibly. The 2025 balloon festivals not only provide an unforgettable experience, but also educate, inspire and promote Poland as a country open to innovation and aviation development.
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