This festival is one of the largest free hot air balloon gatherings in the Southeast, featuring more than 60 balloons with races, key grab, tether rides and a balloon glow. Enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, an antique car and tractor show, musical entertainment and children's activities.
The Alabama Jubilee balloon events consists of four balloon activites.
Each morning there is a 'task' (often refered to as a 'race') that is a competition flight for the balloonists. In the evenings there are on-the-field balloon activities for spectaters to get close to the balloons as well as fun-flights that do-not involve competition.
SCHEDULE
May25
Press Flight (Location TBA)
May 25, 2018, 5:45 AM – 8:30 AM
May26
Hound & Hare - Pilot Briefing (Stage)
May 26, 2018, 6:00 AM – 6:15 AM
May26
Hound & Hare - Flight Task (Jubilee field)
May 26, 2018, 6:15 AM – 8:00 AM
May26
Evening Flight & Tether - Pilot Briefing (Stage)
May 26, 2018, 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
May26
Evening Flight & Tethers (Jubilee Field)
May 26, 2018, 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM
May26
Hot Air Balloon Glow (Jubilee Field)
May 26, 2018, 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
May27
Lynn Layton Key Grab - Pilot Briefing (Stage)
May 27, 2018, 6:00 AM – 6:15 AM
May27
Lynn Layton Key Grab - Flight Task (balloons fly to Jubilee field)
May 27, 2018, 6:15 AM – 8:00 AM
May27
Lynn Layton Key Grab - Est. time balloons arrive at the Jubilee field.
May 27, 2018, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
May27
Evening Flight & Tether - Pilot Briefing (Stage)
May 27, 2018, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
May27
Evening Flight & Tether (Jubilee Field)
May 27, 2018, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
May27
Balloon Pilot Memorial (Stage)
May 27, 2018, 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Can I Ride in a Balloon?
The Alabama Jubilee does NOT sell balloon rides for 'free flight' at the Alabama Jubilee, you may purchase rides from individual pilots for another time, however, if you wish.
FREE! Tethered rides will be in the afternoons. Lines can be long so be early to the field (5:00pm or so) and please be prepared to sign a Waiver of liability. Minors MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian to ride. They cannot be filled-out before and must be done on-site by a parent or guardian.
When will the Balloons Fly?
For our current schedule please see our schedule page.
For flight information the day of the event please see our twitter feed @AlaJubilee. Please also keep-in-mind that balloons will not fly if winds are more than 10mph or it is raining / storming.
What is Admission?
Admission to all events at the Alabama Jubilee is FREE!
The water-park, however, is not part of this event and does have an admission fee.
Where can we park?
See our website for parking information and shuttle information. Parking gets full quite quickly and traffic can be bad, please arrive early with plenty of time to park and walk to the field.
Handicap spaces are first-come-first-served; dropoff is allowed but traffic can make this diffcult.
Are Pets Allowed?
Pets are allowed but discouraged. We advise caution because animals can be spooked by the balloon burners. If you do bring your animal please leash your animal and bag after them.
Can I bring a Golf Cart / ATV?
Do not bring your golf-cart or ATV onto the field. Unless you are a Alabama Jubilee Comittee member, law enforcment, or with the City of Decatur you will be asked to leave the field.
Can I bring my drone?
The Alabama Jubilee is a 'NO DRONE ZONE' you will NOT be allowed to fly a drone on the balloon field during balloon operations. If you do, you will be asked to leave. No Exceptions. This includes balloon pilots and / or licensed drone pilots.
Can we bring our own food?
You may bring food and drinks. Please keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event in a public park area and all local laws do still apply including open container and public intoxication laws.
Can I bring my Tailgating tent?
Lawn-chairs and small sun shelters, less than 8'x8' in size, are allowed. Please do NOT bring larger tents and do NOT set-up an 'encampment' in the middle of the field. Balloons need a place to set-up for your enjoyment.
How can I crew for the balloons?
If you wish crew or to get engaged please be at the stage during the pilot briefings and let the balloonmeister (or a committee member nearby) know you are there. They will help you out.
