Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

We look forward to going to the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic every year. It is a hot air balloon festival that is held on Memorial Day weekend in Decatur, Alabama (right next to Point Mallard Water Park). The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic  features 60 balloons from around the United States and it’s a free event to the public.

We like to get to the Jubilee early and make a day of it. Plus, the roads leading into the park are less crowded earlier in the day.

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Below, you can see our view at 11:00 a.m. and then you can see our view from the exact same spot at 5:30 p.m.

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

We always bring a cooler with a picnic lunch and lots of water. There are several food vendors and the smells coming from them are wonderful. If you get a craving for deep fried moon pies or shark on a stick (yes, you read that correctly), you will find a vendor who will make it for you.

I’ve noticed, that for the last couple of years, the vendors use a ticket system. We’ve had to buy tickets at a special booth and then use the tickets to purchase food and drinks.

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Above photos: These photos are from a few years ago. My kids would play in the bouncy houses and get their faces painted. Now that they are older, they would rather play baseball on the field.

 

 

At about 2:30 p.m., the DJ cranks up the music and a sea of people begin entering the field.  You can watch kids form their own soccer teams, parents playing Frisbee with their children, and teenage girls dancing to the music.

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Between 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., trucks and vans carrying the hot air balloons begin driving onto the field and finding their designated spots. Then, sometime after 5:00 p.m., the balloons get filled will hot air and begin filling the field.

Visitors are allowed to walk onto the field during the balloon inflation and launch.

 

Above: This photo is actually from a few years ago. The kids love being able to get so up-close-and-personal with the balloons. It’s exciting to watch the (7-story tall) balloons being laid out on the field and then filled with hot air.

 

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Above: Some balloons are released.

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Alabama Jubilee

Above: If the weather is nice (and it isn’t too windy), some balloons are tethered to the ground and people can take a little ride in the hot air balloons. The lines form quickly and they can get really long. The ride is well worth the wait, especially for the kiddos. Riding in the balloons is the kids favorite part of the whole festival.

 

After dark, there is something called a Balloon Glow. The DJ leads a countdown leading to all of the balloons being lit up. It is beautiful!

Alabama Jubilee

 

 

 

Alabama Jubilee Events

  • Tethered Balloon Rides
  • Antiques Car Show
  • Tractor Show
  • Live Music & Concerts
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Fireworks Extravaganza

 

Packing List

  • sunscreen
  • hand sanitizer
  • camping chairs and/or picnic blanket and/or hammock
  • cooler with water and/or favorite drinks
  • snacks/food
  • toys & games (Frisbee, baseball and baseball gloves, soccer ball, football, etc.)
  • cash (there are ATMs)

 

Things to Remember

  • It can get HOT in Alabama in the spring. Also,the temperature can drop drastically at night. We have found it is best to dress in layers or pack extra clothes.
  • Parking can be crazy! Be prepared to walk a bit just to get from your car to the field (and back again). It also can take a while to get out of the park because to the amount of traffic. Also, the later in the day you arrive, the longer you will sit in traffic waiting to get a parking spot.
  • We have seen parents frantically running through the crowd looking for their lost child. I recommend making sure your child knows your cell number by heart and/or writing your number on your child. I like to cover the phone number with liquid Band-Aid to prevent it from washing off.

 

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Above photo (Aerial view) via

 

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic  //  Point Mallard Park, 2901 Point Mallard Drive, Decatur, AL 35602

Alabama Jubilee WEBSITE

 

Have you ever been to the Alabama Jubilee? What is your family’s favorite part? Any helpful suggestions?

 

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