GATINEAU, QC – The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG) returns from August 27 to 31 with its 38th edition, more festive than ever! More activity areas and EXCITING new features for all ages at La Baie Park! What’s more, general admission and access to all activities (except the Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park) are free for children aged 10 and under!
FOUR EXCITING ZONES FOR EVERY INTEREST
Here’s the map:
This year, wonder will be everywhere on the Festival site. Every corner of the La Baie Park will be buzzing with activities, entertainment, and suprises, so that each family member finds something they enjoy, no matter their age or interests. In addition to the Lift–off Area, the Desjardins Family Zone, and the Subaru OutaouaisChill Zone, a fourth space will welcome activities for all ages: the Detour!
NEW FEATURES NOT TO BE MISSED!
Several brand–new experiences are being offered this year:
- FMG is innovating with Orizon, an immersive hot air balloon activity that will take Festivalgoers on a virtual journey. With immersive technology, they’ll board a hot air balloon basket where every decision counts. As a team, they’ll have to pilot their balloon to reach the final destination. A unique blend of adventure and history – high above the ground, developed by 4elements in collaboration with Tourisme Québec, Tourisme Outaouais and Desjardins.
- The more adventurous can test their agility by climbing our 14-foot-high bouldering wall! An activity accessible to climbers of all levels.
- Those looking to have fun with family or friends can take on the festive six-hole mini-golf challenge!
- Our massive multimedia hot air balloon structure has been revamped to present Frosty Snack Crossing! Enjoy a unique and luminous atmosphere as you walk around the balloon.
- Visual artist Anna Prince will create a one-of-a-kind live artwork on the FMG site, to be awarded to a 50/50 raffle participant supporting emerging local artists!
FMG 2025 CONCERT PERFORMERS AND HEADLINERS
Another star-studded lineup is scheduled to play at Le Baie Park this year including headliners, Flor Rida on August 28 at 8:30 pm, Alessia Cara Aug 31 at 8:50 pm and Ottawa’s own Talk on August 29 at 7pm.
See the extensive list below and visit here for the complete performance schedule.
FAN-FAVOURITE ACTIVITIES RETURNING
Regulars will also be happy to see their favorite activities return, such as the Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park, the fireworks display presented by Michel Quesnel, pharmacist, the Silent Disco presented by CollègeUniversel, the Équipements Essentiels Wrestling Gala, the inflatable games, and so much more!
HOT AIR BALLOONS: ALWAYS SPECTACULAR
In the evening and at dawn, more than twenty hot air balloons will fill the Gatineau sky with colour. The hot air balloon flights, presented by Le Droit, will take place each evening around 6:30 pm. From Thursday to Sunday, the public will be able to access the FMG site for free in the morning around 6:30 am to enjoy the morning flights. In the evening, the balloons will light up the La Baie Park during the night glow, weather permitting. Special-shaped balloons will be joining the Super FMG balloon and will be revealed soon.
NIGHT GLOW: Wednesday to Sunday | around 7:45 pm
Location: Lift-off area
Witness this incredible display: the FMG Night Glow! The dance of the hot air balloons glowing among the stars… Watch the Night Glow during the evening shows, when conditions allow it!
DISCOUNT TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Tickets for the 38th edition of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Loto-Québec in collaboration with Desjardins, are available now at the best prices at fmg2025.ca.
Reminder: general admission is free for children aged 10 and under, with ticket reservation.
lead photo by Dominic Charette
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