Hudson Hot Air Affair : : February 2, 3 & 4, 2024

Rockin' with the ColdiesHudson Hot Air Affair invites you to come to Hudson, Wisconsin, for the annual balloon rally and winter festival on the weekend, February 2-4, 2024. For the 2024 event theme we will be "Rockin' with the Coldies" so put on your dance shoes (or boots) and come rock out at the Hudson Hot Air Affair. More than 30 balloonists from five states will travel to Hudson to share the spectacle and excitement of the sport of hot air ballooning.

Much of Hot Air Affair will happen outdoors and we are encouraging everyone to bundle up, head outside to the launch field at E.P. Rock School, 340 13th Street, Hudson WI, (or the parks and open spaces) and look up for the balloons on Saturday and Sunday.

In additions to the hot air balloons, there are all kinds of other activities planned for people to enjoy this weekend. Check out our 2023 Schedule for a sample of last February's Hot Air Affair activities and event. (Check back in December for an updated schedule.)

Remember all balloon flights and inflations 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)

Please see the Real-Time Flight Information below for 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. (Most times this information is not available until launch time.)

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

2024 Real-Time Flight Information

(Flight decisions will be posted here before each launch as soon as they become available.) 

Scheduled Hot Air Balloon Launches:

Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 7:35 am: BALLOON LAUNCH, 30+ hot air balloons in mass ascension flight at E.P. Rock school grounds, 340 13th Street South, Hudson, WI.

Saturday, February 3, 2024 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 4, 2024 at 7:35 am: BALLOON LAUNCH, 30+ 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:

RE/MAX Inflate

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 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 Coulee Road. At the stoplight take a left (North) onto 11th Street. Right (East) onto Summer 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). At the stoplight take a left (North) onto 11th Street. Right (East) onto Summer Street to EP Rock School.

Launch Field (EP Rock School) Regulations:
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No 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!

Balloon Rides with 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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Hudson Hot Air Affair is currently seeking sponsors for the 2024 event. Learn more on our Sponsor page.