History
The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta began in 1985...
The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta began in 1985 when local pilots saw the potential to extend the tourist season by hosting a Hot Air Balloon Event in Sussex. What started as a small, informal gathering quickly grew into an annual festival, attracting balloonists from around the world.
Over the years, the event expanded to include numerous fun activities, such as skydiving demonstrations, helicopter rides, live entertainment, and a vibrant Indoor Market featuring over seventy crafters. The addition of the Antique & Classic Car Show & Shine, with over five hundred cars, further solidified the Fiesta’s status as a must-attend event. The festival takes place the weekend after Canadian Labour Day, drawing thousands of visitors to the area, with streets buzzing and skies filled with colourful balloons.
The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta’s success is thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, local businesses, corporate sponsors, and community support.
It has become an iconic celebration of hot air ballooning, with the town even holding a special place in history for the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean in an open balloon by David Hempleman Adams in 2003. Every year, the event continues to grow and captivate audiences, making it a highlight of the fall season in Sussex.
We couldn’t do it without our local landowners.
A big thank you to all the landowners in Sussex and surrounding areas for your support of the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta! Your generosity in allowing balloons to land on your fields makes this event possible. We truly appreciate your trust and hospitality, and we look forward to another fantastic Fiesta, made possible by your continued support!
