Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Festival will offer five days of hot air balloons, live music, fireworks and activities for all ages
Gatineau, QC – The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is unveiling the family activities that will welcome visitors from September 2 to 6 at La Baie Park, just minutes from downtown Ottawa. From entertainment and sports activities to creative workshops, amusement rides and a few new additions, families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the 5-day event.
General admission and access to all activities are free for children 10 and under, with the exception of Beauce Carnaval Amusement park.
Festival-goers will be able to enjoy the return of several crowd favourites, including the fireworks display presented by Michel Quesnel, pharmacist, the Silent Disco presented by Collège Universel, the Équipements Essentiels Wrestling Gala, the inflatable games, and many other family-friendly activities.
New this year, visitors can discover an obstacle course inspired by OCR and Ninja Warrior-style challenges, a scavenger hunt across the Festival site, and a mini terrarium-making activity with pot painting.
Here is the full list of activities:
In the evening and at dawn, more than 20 hot air balloons will colour the Gatineau sky. The hot air balloon lift-offs, presented by Le Droit, will take place each evening around 6:30 pm, weather permitting. From Thursday to Sunday, the public will also be able to access the Festival site for free in the morning, around 6:30 am, to enjoy the morning lift-off.
In the evening, the balloons will light up La Baie Park during the Night Glow, also presented when weather conditions allow. Special-shaped balloons will be joining the Super FMG balloon and will be revealed soon.
The Festival will also welcome Simple Plan, Smash Mouth, Half Moon Run, DJ Mike Demero, Matt Lang and more to the stage. For families, DJ LOOKY & Moonky will be there, and several local dance schools will come together for a unique Dance show.
5-day passes are currently on sale at the reduced price of $74.99 and provide access to all activities and shows in the lineup for less than $15 per day!
All details about the 39th edition of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Loto-Québec in collaboration with Desjardins, are available at fmg2026.ca.
