Ballonfiesta Barneveld 2026

Ballonfiesta Barneveld fills the evening sky over the Koewei, the field beside Kasteel de Schaffelaar, from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August 2026. Around forty hot-air balloons launch each evening at 18:00, and every night closes with the Nightglow: tethered balloons lit up to music and lasers at around 22:00. Gates open at 16:30.

An edition that nearly did not happen

The 2026 edition was genuinely in doubt. An environmental scan raised concerns about the traditional Koewei location, and only on 24 June 2026 did the municipality of Barneveld announce that the event can go ahead there, under agreements that balance nature interests with the festival. Alderman Daan de Vries said he was glad the Ballonfiesta can continue on the Koewei.

Programme

Besides the mass balloon launches, the evenings feature model balloons, model aircraft and giant inflatables, including a locomotive and a horse. The Nightglow closes each evening at around 22:00. Balloon launches are weather-dependent by nature, so the exact flying programme can vary per evening.

Practical information

Admission is paid at the gate: 9 euros for adults and 5 euros for children aged 5 to 12. Parking costs 7.50 euros, with signs directing drivers to P1 and P3. Payment on site is by PIN or credit card only. The regional tourism board lists 2026 as the 41st edition.

Common questions

When does the Ballonfiesta run?

Four evenings, Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 August 2026. Gates open at 16:30, the balloon launch is at 18:00 and the Nightglow follows at around 22:00.

What does it cost?

9 euros for adults, 5 euros for children aged 5 to 12, and 7.50 euros for parking.

Can I pay cash?

No. The organiser states payment on site is by PIN or credit card only.

What is the Nightglow?

The closing act of each evening: tethered balloons illuminated to music with lasers, at around 22:00.

Where is it?

On the Koewei, the field by Kasteel de Schaffelaar on the Stationsweg in Barneveld.