Hudson Hot Air Affair

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 if the weather conditions on the launch field is safe for the balloons to launch. (Some times this information is not available until launch time.)

Scheduled Hot Air Balloon Launches:

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:35 am: BALLOON LAUNCH, Hot air balloons in mass ascension flight at EP Rock Elementary School at 340 13th St S, Hudson, WI.

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3 pm: BALLOON LAUNCH at River Crest Elementary School at EP Rock Elementary School at 340 13th St S, Hudson, WI. This is an optional flight if morning flight is launched, or a mass ascension if the morning flight was canceled.

Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 7:35 am: BALLOON LAUNCH, Hot air balloons in mass ascension flight at EP Rock Elementary School at 340 13th St S, 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 Regulations:
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No Unauthorized Drones
Only Service Animals Please

Thank you for your cooperation.

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.

Directions to EP Rock School (Launch Field) at 340 13th Street South, Hudson, Wisconsin 

From MN: I-94 East, take Exit 1 North towards downtown. At stoplight take a right (East) onto Coulee Road. At the stoplight take a left (North) onto 11th Street. Right (East) onto Summer Street to EP Rock School.

From Stillwater: Take St. Croix River crossing bridge to Wisconsin. Take Hwy 35 South to Hudson. Turn left (East) onto Vine Street. Turn right (South) on 7th Street. Turn left (East) on Laurel Street. Turn right (South) on 13th Street to EP Rock School.

From WI: I-94 West, take Exit 2 and go North. Turn left (West) onto the frontage road (Coulee Road). Turn right (North) onto 17th Street. Left (West) onto Summer Street to EP Rock School.