For the first time ever, Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour will be filled with giant hot air balloons in all shapes and colours. From 4 to 7 September 2025, visitors can enjoy stunning sunset views as balloons shaped like pandas, dinosaurs and other animals glow in the evening light.
The first hot air balloon festival of its kind in Hong Kong
This lively event hosted at Central Harbourfont will offer more than just pretty skies. Expect street food, carnival games and live music, creating a festive space for families, couples and curious city wanderers.
Balloons will be inflated for every session, but the most magical moment happens at sunset, when the biggest ones rise into the air and stay anchored, lighting up the unique skyline of Hong Kong.
If you’re wondering whether you can float in one, the answer is yes, but only in a safe, controlled way. Tethered rides are available during specific morning and evening hours. These balloons are tied down and lifted just a few metres, giving guests a taste of the view without leaving city limits.
Each one is handled by certified professionals to make sure everyone is safe. On-site tickets cost HK$580 per person and are only sold on the day, depending on the weather. The full inflation process takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the balloon. That’s why sessions are timed for early morning or late afternoon, when the wind is calmest and conditions are most stable.
Here are the time slots for the tethered hot air balloon rides:
- Thur, 4 Sept: 17:00 – 19:00
- Fri, 5 Sept: 07:30 – 09:30 & 17:00 – 19:00
- Sat, 6 Sept: 07:30 – 09:30 & 17:00 – 19:00
- Sun, 7 Sept: 07:30 – 09:30 & 17:00 – 19:00
For photography lovers, this event will be thrilling. Visitors can also book a drone photography session to capture their experience from above, or simply enjoy snapping their own shots with the balloons up close.
Event details and tickets
📅 When: September 4–7, 2025
📍 Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central
🎟️ Tickets: Sunrise Ticket (HK$ 200 for Adult – HK$120 for Children aged 4-18), Sunset Ticket (HK$ 880 for Adult – HK$440 for Children aged 4-18). Additional HK$580 for tethered rides or HK$ 200 per photo for Skyline Drone Photography Service. Get tickets here.
Header Image Credit : AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong
