Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

View on map
Nature & SeasonDecatur
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsDecatur has been legislatively designated
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is held every Memorial Day weekend at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama, drawing about 60 hot-air balloons from roughly 20 states since its start in 1978. Free to the public, the two-day event includes balloon races, a nighttime balloon glow, tethered rides, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale.

In 1978, seventeen hot-air balloon pilots from Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana gathered in Decatur to fly a new civic mascot: a hot-air balloon designed to represent the city itself, launched as a showcase piece to help kick off Alabama's tourism season.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Decatur has been legislatively designated the Ballooning Capital of Alabama because of the Jubilee's long run, one of the oldest hot-air balloon competitions in the mid-South, dating to 1978 when 17 balloonists from six states first competed here

02

The mystery stays covered

The event's format, a Hare and Hound Race, a Balloon Glow where illuminated balloons are tethered and inflated after dark, and a Circumnavigational Task, gives spectators close, free access to pilots and crews as seven-story balloons inflate around them, a level of proximity uncommon at ticketed festivals

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival continues the American hot-air ballooning tradition of competitive tasks such as the Hare and Hound chase and Circumnavigational Task

Water and renewal

Living ritual

alongside the newer tradition of the nighttime Balloon Glow

The sacred route

Living ritual

in which tethered balloons are lit from within after dark for a stationary

The local code

Living ritual

illuminated display

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Expect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing suited to late-May Alabama warmth during the day and cooler evening air for the nighttime balloon glow, with comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking the grassy park...

Safety

Keep photography restrained at Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic; give people room and treat community moments as more than scenery.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Decatur you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map39.84 N, 88.95 WOpen in Google Maps

Decatur, AL

Nearest airportDEC — Decatur
TransportExpect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Decatur you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Decatur via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Decatur, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing suited to late-May Alabama warmth during the day and cooler evening air for the nighttime balloon glow, with comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking the grassy park grounds at Point Mallard Park.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic?

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is listed for Past edition: 23–24 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic take place?

The festival is listed in Decatur, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Decatur, AL

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLalabamajubilee.net
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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