Morning flights, tethered rides and the evening night glow at the Polo Ground in George Town.
2027 dates not announced yet
It is usually held in February. The last edition ran 13 February to 15 February 2026.
See the plan for the dayDuring the fiesta, hot air balloons fill the Polo Ground in George Town. You can watch them inflate and fly in the morning, take a tethered ride during the day, and stay for the night glow, when the grounded balloons light up together after dark.
The 2027 dates have not been announced. It is usually held in February, and the last edition ran 13 February to 15 February 2026. In 2026 about 15 balloons took part, with teams from Malaysia, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States.
Entry to the field was free in 2026; balloon rides cost extra. It is not a public holiday.
Based on how past editions were run. The 2027 programme may differ: confirm the times nearer the date. Flights depend on wind and weather.
Morning
Balloons are laid out and inflated on the field, then fly in the cool of the morning. In 2020 the field opened at 7am.
Through the day
Tethered rides, where a balloon rises on ropes and comes back down to the field, plus food stalls and family activities. Rides are ticketed.
Evening, about 8.45pm
The night glow: grounded balloons fire their burners together and light up like lanterns. In 2018 and 2020 it started at about 8.45pm.
In front of Seri Mutiara, the Governor's residence, George Town
The open field bounded by Jalan Residensi, Jalan Utama and Jalan Sepoy Lines. The fiesta has been held here since its first edition in February 2015.
Directions in Google MapsA Grab from George Town is the simplest way, especially for the early start and the late night glow. Ask to be dropped on Jalan Residensi or Jalan Sepoy Lines and agree a pick-up point away from the crowd for the ride home.
Entry to the field was free in 2026. Tethered rides cost extra: they were RM50 in 2018 and 2020, and the price is set each edition.
Balloons fly only in suitable wind and weather, so flights and rides can be delayed or called off on the day. Check the organiser's updates before you set out.
Gurney Drive hotels are a short Grab ride from the Polo Ground, which helps with the early start.
Hotels near Gurney DriveThe fiesta falls in Chinese New Year season: in 2027, CNY is 6 February to 7 February 2027 and Chap Goh Mei is Sat 20 February. Hotels get busy around the holiday, so book once the fiesta dates are out.
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The 2027 dates have not been announced. The fiesta is usually held in February, and the last edition ran 13 February to 15 February 2026.
At the Polo Ground (Padang Polo) in George Town, the field in front of Seri Mutiara, the Governor's residence, bounded by Jalan Residensi, Jalan Utama and Jalan Sepoy Lines.
Entry to the field was free in 2026. Tethered balloon rides cost extra: they were RM50 in 2018 and 2020, and the price is set each edition.
Early morning, when the balloons inflate and fly, and the evening night glow, which started at about 8.45pm in 2018 and 2020. In 2020 the field was open from 7am to 9pm; hours are set each edition.
Tethered rides were offered in 2018, 2020 and 2026: the balloon rises on ropes and comes back down to the field. Flights depend on wind and weather on the day, so a ride is not guaranteed.
About 15 in 2026, of different shapes and designs, with teams from Malaysia, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States (The Star, January 2026).
AKA Balloon, a Malaysian company. The first fiesta was held at the Polo Ground in February 2015.
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