Hudson Hot Air Affair : : February 7, 8 & 9, 2025
The 2025 Hudson Hot Air Affair is set for February 7-9, 2025. Please check back this winter for event updates
Hudson Hot Air Affair's 36th annual balloon rally and winter festival was on the weekend, February 7-9, 2025.
Much of Hot Air Affair happens outdoors and we are encouraging everyone to bundle up, head outside to the launch field (or in the parks and open spaces) and look up for the balloons on Saturday and Sunday during Hot Air Affair.
In additions to the hot air balloons, there are all kinds of other activities planned for people to enjoy during the weekend. Check out our 2024 schedule of Events as a sample of the Hot Air Affair events and activities... many of these favorites will be back in 2025.
: :
Administrative Coordinator Needed
Help Wanted—Hot Air Affair is seeking an Administrative Coordinator. This is a part-time independent contractor position, starting soon.
Job description and application coming soon.
New Event Location for 2025—River Crest Elementary School
Balloon Launches, Marketplace, Smooshboarding, Moon Glow are all moving to River Crest Elementary School at 535 County Road F, Hudson. More details coming soon!
: :
2024 Real-Time Flight Information (2025 updates coming in December)
The Real-Time Flight Information below will have the latest updates on balloon flight decisions. This information will be posted as soon as we know the weather conditions at the launch field and whether it is safe for the balloons to launch. (Some times this information is not available until launch time.)
Scheduled Hot Air Balloon Launches:
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 7:35 am: BALLOON LAUNCH, Hot air balloons in mass ascension flight at E.P. Rock school grounds, 340 13th Street South, Hudson, WI.
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 3 pm: BALLOON LAUNCH at E.P. Rock school grounds, 340 13th Street South, Hudson, WI. This is an optional flight if morning flight is launched, or a mass ascension if the morning flight is canceled.
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 7:35 am: BALLOON LAUNCH, Hot air balloons in mass ascension flight at E.P. Rock school grounds, 340 13th Street South, Hudson, WI.
All balloon inflations and flights are weather dependent.
(You can learn more about what kind of weather is needed for a hot air balloon flight at: https://hudsonhotairaffair.com/weather-to-fly)
Launch Field Notice:
We ask for your cooperation at the launch field • No Alcohol • No Smoking • No Drones, and • Only Service Animals, Please.
Hot Air Balloon Flight Conditions:
Ideal Flight Conditions:
- Light winds less than 6 mph
- Good visibility
- Sunshine or if cloudy, high cloud ceilings
Unfavorable Flight Conditions:
- Too strong wind, over 8 mph OR no wind at all
- Poor visibility or low cloud ceilings
- Snow or rain
Hot air balloons depend on different weather factors, including wind speeds, visibility, temperature. Lean more >
Check the FAQs page for more information about hot air balloons and Hudson Hot Air Affair.
How to Get There
Directions to River Crest Elementary School (Launch Field) at 535 County Road F, Hudson, Wisconsin
From MN: I-94 East, take Exit 2 (turn right) and go south on Carmichael Road. Use the middle lane and stay on Carmichael Road. Continue straight onto County Road F South. River Crest Elementary School is on the left.
From WI: I-94 West, take Exit 2 (turn left) and go south on Carmichael Road. Use the middle lane and stay on Carmichael Road. Continue straight onto County Road F South. River Crest Elementary School is on the left.
Launch Field Regulations:
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No Unauthorized Drones
Only Service Animals Please
Thank you for your cooperation.
Hudson Hot Air Affair Partner Balloon Companies & Sponsors
There are no hot air balloon rides sold during Hot Air Affair!
Partner Balloon Companies:
Hudson Hot Air Affair is a spectator event with balloons sponsored by area businesses. No hot air balloon rides are sold during the event.
If you are interested in purchasing a balloon ride, Hot Air Affair partner balloon companies offer rides year-round (weather permitting).
Aamodt’s Hot Air Balloon Rides http://www.aamodtsballoons.com/
Stillwater Balloons https://stillwaterballoons.com/
Lesmeister Balloon Company https://www.facebook.com/Lesmeister-Balloon-Company-1492577431034277/
: :
You can connect with Hudson Hot Air Affair here on our website, on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter.