Hudson Hot Air Affair : : February 6, 7 & 8, 2026

Hudson Hot Air Affair announces the 2026 theme “Sky Walkers Return to Rock” for our annual hot air balloon rally and winter festival on the weekend, February 6-8, 2026.

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 addition to the hot air balloons, there are all kinds of other activities planned for people to enjoy during the weekend. Check out our 2025 schedule of Events as a sample of the Hot Air Affair events and activities... many of these favorites will be back in 2026.

2026 Real-Time Flight Information

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 Notice:

RE/MAX Inflate

Launch Field Regulations:
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No Unauthorized Drones
Only Service Animals Please

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

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 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.

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/

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You can connect with Hudson Hot Air Affair here on our website, on Facebook, on Instagram and on Twitter.