“ROCKIN’ with the COLDIES” TASTE of HOT AIR AFFAIR

White Eagle Golf Club 316 White Eagle Trail, Hudson, WI, United States

Join us for the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair fundraiser sponsored by the Hudson Lions Club. Enjoy spirits, wine, beer sampling and sweets, along with an Italian Buffet Meal. Live music by Jenny LeDoux, live auction, silent auction and wine-pull.

UP, UP & AWAY BALLOON COOKIE CLASS

Grand Fête 512 2nd Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Two balloon cookie classes offered for ages 12 thru adult at Grand Fête, 512 2nd Street, Hudson.

BALLOONING CREW SCHOOL

EP Rock School 340 13th Street S, Hudson, WI, United States

Would you like to help crew a balloon at Hot Air Affair? Learn the basics about set up, chasing, landing and pack up.

PUPPY SPEED DATING

Angel's Pet World 105 2nd Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Join Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue for a Be Mine Fur-ever Adoption Event at Angel’s Pet World, 105 2nd Street in River City Center.

Bloody Mary Walk Fundraiser

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

Enjoy a day of fun at the Hudson Hot Air Affair Bloody Mary Walk Fundraiser on September 14th, in downtown Hudson. Choose from two flights and two different routes for one bloody good time. Get your tickets now by visiting http://tinyurl.com/hhaabmw24.

$40

BUENA VISTA: A STROLL in the PARK

Lakefront Park 505 1st St, Hudson, WI, United States

Celebrate the magic of thousands of lights along the St. Croix River. Historic downtown is steeped in winter charm, ready for you to explore both indoor and outdoor

Free

HHAA KICK OFF FUNDRAISER

Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse 1237 Hwy 35 North, Hudson, WI, United States

Join us at Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse for a meat raffle fundraiser. Support Hudson Hot Air Affair as we kick off the 2025 event and celebrate the “Staying Alive in 2025” theme.

BREAKFAST CRAFTS for KIDS

Dick's Bar & Grill 111 Walnut Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Come have breakfast at Dick's Bar & Grill and see a hot air balloon basket—plus a free art event for the kids.

Free

CANDLELIGHT HIKE & SKI and GAME DAY at CAMP ST. CROIX

YMCA Camp St. Croix 532 County Road F, Hudson, WI, United States

Candle-lit trails for cross-country skiing and hiking (the trails are not groomed). Ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available (limited quantities).
Warm food available for purchase in the Dining Hall with GAMES hosted by Hudson Area Public Library!

COUNTDOWN EVENT at HUDSON GROCERY CO-OP

Hudson Grocery Co-op 1701 Ward Ave, Hudson, WI

Stop by to learn about Hudson Hot Air Affair with a prize drawing and kids’ activities.

Free

“STAYING ALIVE” CPR CLASS

Hudson Hospital 405 Stageline Rd, Hudson, WI

Lakeview EMS will host a CPR and First Aid Class at the Hudson Hospital.

Free

COUNTDOWN EVENT at COUNTY MARKET

County Market - Hudson 2310 Crest View Drive, Hudson, WI

Celebrate Hudson Hot Air Affair's “Staying Alive in 2025” theme with store specials, food tastings and more.

Free

HHAA CANVAS PARTY PAINTING CLASS

Cracked Barrel Winery 570 Coulee Trail, Hudson, WI, United States

Hot Air Affair Canvas Party with Audrey Martin, featuring a painting of “Shimmer and Shine” at Cracked Barrel Winery, 570 Coulee Trail, Hudson. $50 for class and supplies.

$50

EAT•SHOP•PLAY HUDSON

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

Eat•Shop•Play at Hudson area businesses. . The unique shops, fun destinations and outstanding restaurants invite you to check out their winter offerings. Look for special promotions and winter sales. Win prizes playing the Scavenger Hunt game.

SIPPIN’ with the HOTTIES BEVERAGE CRAWL

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

Enjoy Sippin’ Special prices on unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Vote for your favorite for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate.

BALLOONING EDUCATION PROGRAM

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

Classroom programs on hot air ballooning are presented in area schools. Students learn how the beautiful hot air balloons fly.

Free

OCTAGON HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS

Octagon House Museum 1004 3rd Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Open House at the Octagon House Museum, 1004 3rd Street. Come in from the cold to hear about the family who called the Octagon House their home for just over 100 years.

“STAYING ALIVE in 2025” TORCHLIGHT PARADE

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

The Torchlight Parade features prizes for the best overall parade unit, the best unit by hot air balloonist, the best “Staying Alive in 2025” themed unit and the best kazoo marching band. Hot air balloon pilots and crews displaying blasts of fire.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Hudson Masonic Lodge #56 209 Locust Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Enjoy a pancake breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, fruit, beverages. $10 adults, $5 children under 12.

BALLOON LAUNCH – SATURDAY MORNING

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Hot Air Balloon Launch on the River Crest Elementary School grounds. 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight. (all inflations and flights are weather dependent.)

HOT BALLOON FAT BIKE RACE

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

Hot Balloon Fat Bike Race at Lakefront Park on the beautiful St. Croix River, downtown Hudson.

PET ADOPTION EVENT

Angel's Pet World 105 2nd Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Visit Angel’s Pet World where Greyhound Pets of American will be showcasing adoptable dogs.

Free

BEAN BAG TOURNAMENT

Hop & Barrel Brewing 310 2nd Street, Hudson, WI, United States

Hudson Lions Club will host a bean Bag Tournament at Hop & Barrel Brewing, 310 2nd St. Coordinated by the Hudson Lions Club.

MARKETPLACE & CRAFT FAIR

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Craft and souvenir selection with special winter apparel, ballooning and Hot Air Affair emphasis. Visit the Hot Air Affair booth for souvenirs, Hot Air Affair apparel and collectibles. Hot food and drinks available in cafeteria by local non-profit groups.

WARM UP STATION

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Visit the River Crest Elementary School cafeteria throughout the day for a warm-up break, refreshments available to purchase.

SMOOSH BOARD COMPETITION

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Join in Hot Air Affair’s wackiest winter sport with 4 people strapped onto two Smooshboards.

ST. CROIX RIVER DUNK

Lakefront Park 505 1st St, Hudson, WI, United States

The Hudson Rotary Club is once again hosting the premiere winter fundraising event in the St. Croix Valley during the 6th annual St. Croix River Dunk at the Lakefront Park Beach.

PRIZE DROP FUNDRAISER for ST. CROIX VALLEY FOOD BANK

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Fundraiser for St. Croix Valley Food Bank at River Crest School grounds. Sponsored by 8CH Print with partner Xcel Energy. Tickets available from the Food Bank (prior to HHAA) or on the launch field during Hot Air Affair.

BENEFIT BINGO FUNDRAISER for HUDSON BOOSTERS

The Village Inn Sports Bar and Grill 723 6th Street N, Hudson, WI, United States

The Hudson Boosters will hold a Bingo Fundraiser at The Village Inn Sports Bar and Grill. This popular afternoon bingo raises money for youth sports programs in Hudson.

BALLOON LAUNCH – SATURDAY AFTERNOON

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

This is an optional flight: if the balloons are able to fly at the morning launch, pilots can participate at their discretion. However, if the balloons are not able to fly in the morning there will be a mass ascension flight at 3:00 pm (weather permitting).

Free

MOON GLOW or FIELD of FIRE WATCH PARTIES

Hudson WI Hudson, WI, United States

Watch live streaming of the Moon Glow/Field of Fire at area businesses. Aired by River Channel Hudson/North Hudson Community Access Television. Details coming in mid-January.

Free

HOT AIR BALLOON MOON GLOW or FIELD of FIRE

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Hot air balloons light up the dark so bring your camera for this spectacular event!  In case of windy weather, the Moon Glow becomes a Field of Fire.

AFTER the GLOW DANCE PARTY

The Empourium 736 Rodeo Dr, Hudson, WI

Join us for the After the Glow Dance Party Sponsored by The Empourium, 736 Rodeo Dr. Enjoy Austin Healy with an entertaining evening of Southern and Classic Rock.

BALLOON LAUNCH – SUNDAY MORNING

River Crest Elementary School 535 County Road F, Hudson, WI

Hot Air Balloon Launch on the River Crest Elementary School grounds, 535 County Road F. 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight (weather permitting).

Free

SUNDAY HHAA BREAKFAST

Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse 1237 Hwy 35 North, Hudson, WI, United States

Enjoy a Sunday breakfast special at Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse. Drink specials for the adults and a special $5 Kids’ Balloon Breakfast menu.

FREE KIDS’ ICE FISHING EXTRAVAGANZA

Carbone’s Pizzeria/Willow River Saloon 1106 County Road A, Hudson, United States

Ice fishing at the Perch Lake Road Boat Launch, 497 Perch Lake Road. Equipment and mentors on site. Giveaways for all the participants. Limited parking at Perch Lake, please take the shuttle to the site from Carbone’s Pizzeria/Willow River Saloon (1106 County Road A, Hudson, WI).

Free