Inaugural “AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest” presents aerial experience with panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour

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This September, Hong Kong will open its doors to a spectacle long cherished around the globe but never before seen here: the “AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest,” HABFest 2025. From September 4 to 7, the Central Harbourfront Event Space will transform into a living canvas of colour and light as giant balloons drift in from Canada, Germany, Britain, Japan and beyond. The city’s inaugural tethered hot air balloon ride will finally take flight, overcoming the logistical and regulatory hurdles that once made such an event nearly impossible in our dense urban landscape.

 

As dusk settles over the iconic harbour, majestic balloons will inflate in playful shapes—some soaring up to 20 metres tall, including a specially commissioned panda that pays homage to Hong Kong. Flanked by smaller balloons nearly as high as a six-storey building, this spectacular lineup promises a social-media-worthy skyline moment like no other.

Tethered balloons will gently ascend 10 to 20 metres daily from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. (except on September 4) and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Under the supervision of licensed professional pilots and secured by heavy-duty ropes, guests can enjoy this floating vantage point with friends or family, capturing unforgettable 360-degree views of Hong Kong’s glittering skyline.

Delivering this urban marvel demands professional precision. Expert teams will coordinate every element—from specialised rigging to real-time weather monitoring—ensuring each lift is as safe as it is sensational. Strict adherence to safety regulations and flawless technical execution make every moment aloft both exhilarating and secure. For Hong Kongers and visitors alike, this meticulously crafted experience will stand out as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soar above the harbour without ever leaving the heart of the city.

But HABFest 2025 is more than thrilling rides. Each evening, “Music On Air” will transform the festival grounds into a world-class stage where local superstars and emerging pop sensations shine. Joey Yung, Serrini, Tyson Yoshi, Leo Ku, LMF, RubberBand, Gin Lee, ToNick and Kenny Kwan will deliver live performances pulsing with energy. As balloons glow from within during the “Night Glow Show,” mesmerising visuals fuse with live soundtracks create a sensory feast that resonates long after the final note.