Ottawa 
If you are looking for a colourful way to wrap up summer, Gatineau’s hot air balloon festival has plenty happening both in the sky and on the ground. Enjoy five magical days filled with entertainment, colourful glowing hot air balloons, and thrilling midway rides this Labour Day long weekend.
Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau
The biggest summer event in the Outaouais, Festival de Montgolfières de Gatineau is back for its 39th edition, with unlimited fun for the whole family. FMG traditionally takes place on the Labour Day weekend. This year, it will take place from September 2 to 6, 2026.
What to See & Do:
You can watch roughly 20 balloons take flight, catch nightly fireworks, explore an amusement park and fill your schedule with family activities.
Balloon Flights, Rides & Related Activities
Watch larger-than-life hot air balloons float over Gatineau’s Parc de la Baie. There will be unique shapes on display this year, like BB Bot, Baby Dinosaur, Alien Rocket, and Minnie the Moo. You will also see balloons in many vibrant colours floating as high as 500 to 1500 feet in the air.
Balloon takeoffs are planned around 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily, except on Wednesday mornings. A ride costs $399 per passenger. Weather calls the shots here. Winds must be above 3 km/h but below 14 km/h, with no rain, fog or storms within 50 kilometres of the flight path.
You can also walk inside a balloon envelope at The Detour or meet FMG pilots Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Fireworks
Fireworks by Royal Pyrotechnics are planned every evening. Shows begin around 11 p.m. Wednesday, 10:45 p.m. Thursday, 11 p.m.; Friday, 11:15 p.m.; Saturday and 9:45 p.m.; Sunday.
Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau
Night Glow
Around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, balloons are scheduled to illuminate the lift-off area during Night Glow, described as a “dance of the hot air balloons glowing among the stars.”
The balloons stay grounded, and winds must remain below 8 km/h for the activity to proceed.
Live Concerts
Music fills each evening, with Matt Lang headlining Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., followed by Smash Mouth Thursday at 9:30 p.m. and Simple Plan Friday at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday features Half Moon Run at 9:45 p.m., while Koriass performs Sunday at 10:15 p.m. Other performers include Émile Bilodeau, Zachary Richard, Lynda Lemay, The Barr Brothers, Sara Dufour and Fredz.
Amusement Park
The Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park opens Thursday through Sunday. Thrill rides include the Ferris Wheel, Zipper, Vertigo, Fire Ball and Zero Gravity, while younger visitors can try attractions such as Bears, Monster Truck, Bumper Boat and Crazy Bus.
Markets & More
The Market runs Wednesday through Sunday at The Detour, bringing together local crafts and creations in a redesigned booth layout. Hours vary by day, with the market staying open until 11 p.m. each evening.
More Fun:
There is plenty happening away from the balloons, too. You can try a Silent Disco, obstacle course, NERF missions, bungee run, country dancing, graffiti workshops and terrarium painting.
Weekend activities include a GPW-LPG wrestling gala and car show. Artist Anna Prince will also create live paintings Friday and Sunday.
Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau
Trip Planning: Festival de Montgolfières de Gatineau – Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: Traditionally held during the Labour Day weekend, the FMG – Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, is the largest summer event in the Outaouais. Known for its diverse artistic programming and family-friendly entertainment, the FMG offers surprising activities in a magical atmosphere!
When: September 2 to 6, 2026
Site Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday: 5 to 11:30 pm
- Friday: 4 to 11:30 pm
- Saturday: 10:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:30 am to 11:30 pm
Amusement Park opening hours:
- Thursday: 5 to 11:30 pm
- Friday: 4 to 11:30 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 am to 11:30 pm
How much:
Daily Admission: $54.99 to $64.99
Child: Up to 10: Free
Amusement Park Ride: $33.05 per person
Balloon Ride (per passenger): $399 per person
Plus tax
Where:
At parc de la Baie, Gatineau
988, Saint-Louis Street
Gatineau (Quebec) Canada J8T 2S4
3 entrances are available to the public.
- St-Louis entrance: 988 Saint-Louis Street
- La Baie entrance: 93 de la Baie Street
- Jacques-Cartier entrance: 1089 Jacques-Cartier Street (Campground)
