Saga International Balloon Festa 2026 begins with weather delays

The 2026 Saga International Balloon Festa commenced on October 30 at the Kasegawa riverbank in Saga City, Japan. Although 123 hot air balloons from 15 countries and regions were scheduled to participate, the opening day faced significant disruptions due to adverse weather.

Rain caused the cancellation of morning competitive flights and the Balloon Fantasia event, which features specialty shaped balloons. While conditions improved in the afternoon, strong winds forced the cancellation of the afternoon flights, resulting in no balloons taking to the sky on the first day.

The festival is scheduled to run through November 3. A major highlight is set for November 3, featuring a drone show with 4,050 drones that will depict Saga’s cityscape and history in the night sky.