Thessaly Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025

Inspired by the first classic novel of Jules Verne “Five Weeks in a Balloon”, this year’s hot air balloon festival lights up the sky of Thessaly with a celebration and an aerial journey unfolding across five iconic cities for five weeks, transforming the region into a living  “Sky Map”.

From October 4 to November 2, 2025, hot air balloons will color every sunrise and sunset, while weekends will come alive with themed events, storytelling, stage performances, shows, balloons, free flights, competitions, and many surprises for both children and adults.

At the same time, the festival aspires to create a unique travel video that will promote Thessaly internationally through a new aerial “mapping” of the region that combines nature, tradition, culture, and tourism.

The goal is not only to bring hot air balloons into the sky, but also to place Thessaly on the global map of festivals. To create content that travels far, to increase visitor numbers at a time of the year that is usually quieter, generating multiple benefits for the wider region while “building” an experience that will be remembered by all who live it.

 Thessaly Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025 – Program of Events 

• Saturday 04/10 – 06:00 | Gavros, Meteora

Balloon flight | Free admission 

• Saturday 04/10 – 18:00 | Agios Theodosios, Meteora

Hot air balloons & Jules Verne + activities (horses, bicycles, climbing, gastronomy)

In collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora | Free admission 

• Sunday 05/10 – 06:00 | Trikala, Ananti Hotel

Balloon flight | Free admission 

• Sunday 05/10 – 18:00 | Pyli Stadium, Trikala

Hot air balloons & Jules Verne | Free admission 

• Wednesday 08/10 – 19:00 | Karditsa city center

Parade of balloon burners 

• Thursday 09/10 – 06:00 | Karditsa Municipal Park

Balloon flight | Free admission 

• Friday 10/10 – 06:00 | Fanari Castle, Mouzaki

Balloon flight | Free admission 

• Friday 10/10 – 18:00 | Karditsa Municipal Stadium

Hot air balloons & Jules Verne | Parallel activities + Night Glow Show & fireworks
Tickets: Presale €10 | At the gate €12 

• Saturday 11/10 – 06:00 | Lake Plastira

Balloon flight | Free admission 

• Saturday 11/10 – 17:00 | Myrini Airport, Karditsa

Balloon show + aeroclub demonstrations, helicopter, parachutists, paramotors.
Tickets: Presale €10 | At the gate €12 

• Sunday 12/10 – 06:00 | Filonikos Zoo Park

Morning balloon flight 

• Saturday 25/10 – 17:00 | Larissa Arena

Hot air balloons & Jules Verne | Parallel activities + Night Glow Show & fireworks

Closing Ceremony: Awards, presentation of the project “Around Thessaly in 40 Days” (2026), prize draws & surprises.
Tickets: Presale €10 | At the gate €12 

Daily flights!

Throughout the festival, from October 4 to November 2, for 5 weekends and weekdays, flights will take place at sunrise and sunset.

For bookings and the 3-hour flight experience, contact us – limited seats!

When: October 4 – November 2, 2025
Where: Meteora, Trikala, Pyli, Karditsa, Lake Plastira, Fanari Castle, Almyros, Volos, Farsala, Larissa
More Information here