Ottawa 
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 Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau is back with its 37th edition and unlimited fun for the whole family.
FMG traditionally takes place on the Labor Day weekend. This year, it will take place from August 29 to September 2.
The FMG Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is the biggest summer event in the Outaouais.
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 Meteo, Minnie the Moo, BB Tiger, Speedy Snail, and She’s a Hoot. You will also see balloons in many vibrant colours floating as high as 500 to 1500 feet in the air. These balloons take flight every day at 6:30 in the morning and evening, except on Thursday and Monday when they take flight only in the morning.
Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau
In the evening, watch hot air balloons light up during Night Glow (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, around 8:45 pm.)
Before the night glow, visitors can enjoy a unique multi-sensory project at 8:30 pm. Using video mapping, a 3D film envelops the balloon, offering a surreal, imaginative aerial journey on a 30-foot hot air balloon structure, accompanied by a 200-foot luminous sphere display.
This will be followed by beautiful fireworks every night until Sunday.
Admire these balloons rise as you’re serenaded by famous artists.
Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau You will also get the unique opportunity to explore the inside of a hot air balloon. You can meet the pilots on Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and get the answers to all your hot air balloon-related questions.
In addition, the festival also brings many chart-topping artists for the week. The lineup includes Dallas Smith, Charlotte Cardin, Jonathan Roy, and Dave Fenley. Rap music takes centre stage on September 1st with IAM, FouKi, Koriass, Jay Scottm Lost, Rymz, Shreez and Die-On.
On Saturday and Sunday, hit the silent disco with just headphones and listen to music by two different DJs. You can also attend the Wrestling Gala, a professional wrestling federation in Outaouais.
Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau
Try out different rides at the Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park, the biggest amusement park in the region. There are tons of thrilling rides to choose from, as well as a game of traditional bingo. Ride tickets 5-day advance pass costs $51.99 plus tax or a daily pass varies from $27.83 – $49.58.
You can find Handcrafted items and other treasures at the Artisans and 1001 Treasures marquees. These include health and beauty, items, decorations, and so much more.
Festival de Montgolfières de Gatineau – Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: Traditionally held during the Labor Day weekend, the FMG – Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, is the largest summer event in the Outaouais. Recognized for its diverse artistic programming and entertainment for the whole family, the FMG offers surprising activities in a magical atmosphere!
When: August 29 to September 2, 2024
Midway:
Thursday, August 29th: 5 pm to 11:30 pm
Friday, August 30th: 4 pm to 11:30 pm
Saturday, August 31st: 11 am to 11:30 pm
Sunday, September 1st: 11 am to 11:30 pm
Monday, September 2nd: 11 am to 5 pm
How much:
Daily Admission: $19.99 – $49.99, rides: $30.44
Baloon Ride (per passenger): $395
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
