If you’ve ever dreamed of floating above Hong Kong’s iconic skyline in a hot air balloon, this September might just be your moment. The city is set to host its first-ever AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest (HABFest), and it’s shaping up to be one of the most visually stunning and unexpectedly cool events of the year.
From September 4 to 7, 2025, the Central Harbourfront Event Space will be transformed into a vibrant playground of color, music, and sky-high adventure. The festival will feature over a dozen hot air balloons from around the world, including Canada, Germany, the UK, and Japan. Expect everything from classic striped giants to quirky character-shaped inflatables like a panda and a cat.
While free-fly balloon flights aren’t on the menu, tethered rides are, giving festival-goers the chance to gently rise 10 to 20 meters above the city for stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. It’s a rare opportunity to see Hong Kong from a whole new angle, without leaving the ground entirely.
But this isn’t just about balloons. HABFest doubles as a music and lifestyle event, with a nightly concert series dubbed “Music On Air.” The 4-day lineup is stacked with local icons like Joey Yung, Leo Ku, LMF, Novel Fergus, Tyson Yoshi, Gin Lee, and more. Each evening ends with a Balloon Night Glow Show where illuminated balloons will pulse and shimmer in sync with live music, shaping a fairytale-like experience.
Additionally, families will find plenty of entertaining activities to explore, with carnival games, food stalls, and interactive booths scattered throughout the grounds. And on September 6, HABFest will host the AIA Balloon Run, inviting successfully registered families to a morning run and Balloon Fiesta, where a parade of playful hot air balloons will be showcased. Winners of the morning run will receive a complimentary tethered ride experience.
Tickets are available now via HK Ticketing,01 Space, and Trip.com, with early bird prices starting at HK$150 for morning sessions, while bundle packages, starting at HK$680, are available at KKday.
Whether you’re chasing Instagram-worthy moments or just looking for a fun weekend out, this festival ticks all the boxes. So, mark your calendar, grab your camera, and get ready to look up because Hong Kong’s skyline is about to get a whole lot more magical.
For more information about FABFest, check out their official website, Instagram, and Facebook.
