Wairarapa Balloon Festival 2025: Family Carnival

NZ's most anticipated Balloon Festival is returning to Wairarapa in Easter 2025, from Thursday 17 April until Monday 21 April.

This magical five day festival promises to be fun for the whole family, with a vibrant display of balloons filling the Wairarapa skies. Balloons will take off from a different local town each morning, creating a magical experience. See them from the comfort of your own backyard, or head to one of the morning ascension spots for a close up slice of the action.

The pinnacle event is the Family Carnival, taking place on Saturday 19 April 2025. This revamped programme includes 5 hours of action-packed entertainment as part of the ticket price.

Choose from over 40 food trucks, or pack a picnic, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy the afternoon and evening of entertainment.

Tickets to the Family Carnival includes:
Live music and entertainment
Bouncy castle for the kids
Cold balloon walk throughs
Face painting Zone and animal balloon artists
An Easter egg hunt for the kids
Selection of art and craft stalls from Wairarapa crafters
The magical Balloon glow performance - lit up to music

What else?

Ride the ferris wheel or merry-go-round, try the Human Fly, or test your skills at the amusements to win a prize!

The Noodles, one of New Zealand’s top covers bands, will be bringing their high-energy performance to the festival, playing everything from classic rock anthems to today’s hottest hits. Their dynamic sound and infectious energy will have the whole family up on their feet, dancing the night away.​​

There will also be delicious food and beverage options to purchase from over 40 street food vendors, at Food Truck Alley.

The 2025 Family Carnival will be an unforgettable experience.

Gates Open 2pm. Entertainment starts at 3pm sharp. Parking opens at 2pm.
​
Tickets, including family packages and campsites are on sale now.

For more information head to www.nzballoons.co.nz

Picnic Hampers from chef Travis Clive- Griffin of Entice

Includes:
Glazed leg ham with Entice mustard fruits
Raw broccoli salad with cranberries, seeds, currants, herbs, lemon and olive oil
Roasted root vegetable salad with baby spinach and balsamic vinaigrette
Freshly baked bread and butter
Cheese and crackers with tomato relish
Gooey lemon meringue and Chocolate ganache cake

$35 per hamper (for one person). Must be picked up before 6pm on the night from the stand in the foodtruck area.

Camping:
Campsites are limited, so make sure you book your tickets and campsite early to avoid disappointment.

There will be a dedicated area for campervans, motorhomes and self-contained caravans right in the centre of the action, at Solway Showgrounds, Masterton. These non-powered sites are $10 per person per night (or $7 per person per night for NZMCA members). Camping is for self-contained vehicles only. For more details and to book, head to https://mastertonshowgrounds.co.nz/

Please note there are no gate sales.