Summer ain’t over until we say so. Give yourself a break while you still can and save a date between August 31 and September 4, because the 36th edition of Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau is back this Labour Day weekend! Head on down to the Parc de la Baie in Gatineau and marvel at the colourful sky as hot air balloons join the clouds as decoration. Enjoy incredible musical performances, a crafts market, and even an amusement park. With both local and international acts gracing three stages, including Rêve, Roxane Bruneau, and Banx & Ranx, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Make sure not to miss superstar Ne-Yo’s performance on Sunday at 9:15pm.
Image: Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau.
Expect to see the balloons out on Thursday, August 31, at 6:30pm, Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3 at 6:30am and 6:30pm, and Monday, September 4, at 6:30am. For the early birds out there (yes, you), the morning take-offs are absolutely free to watch! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a mesmerizing experience that paints the sky with a palette of colours.
Oh, by the way, this festival’s got a bunch of other super cool things lined up. Like a silent disco! For those confused by such an oxymoron, it’s like a party or concert where everyone wears headphones and listens to the songs themselves. You get to share the experience with others without the additional noise. If that tickles your fancy, make sure you’re free on Friday and Saturday from 7–11pm.
Image: Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau.
For those with kids (or if you yourself are a kid), face-painting and zip-lining are ready to embrace your creativity and help you release that energy. Expect this double entertainment on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am–8pm and Monday from 10:30am–5pm. Unleash the children! (Within a reasonable distance, of course.)
Did you think that was all? (I sure hope not.) On Thursday from 5–10:30pm, Friday from 4–10:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am–10:30pm, and Monday from 10:30am–5 pm, immerse yourself in a gaming paradise inside a trailer. With over 150 games to play with and as many as 20 players to game with simultaneously, you’re equipped with HDTVs, game consoles, and a top-notch sound system to set your gamer heart ablaze.
On Saturday and Sunday from 2–5pm, experience the excitement of professional wrestling with GPW–LPG! Colourful characters, high-flying moves, and local athletes promise a fantastic show for the whole family. Head on down to the wrestling gala and cheer on your favourite fighter (or whoever’s winning).
Image: Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau.
Calling all car enthusiasts! Head to the lift-off area to feast your eyes on the car show. From old to new cars, it’s a treat for those who appreciate the beauty of automobiles. Make sure to save some time on Saturday or Sunday from 2–4pm.
For those who want something a little more relaxed, the festival’s got you covered. On Thursday from 5–10pm, Friday from 4–10pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am–10pm, and Monday from 10:30am–5pm, La Baie Market offers various local crafts and creations for you to discover.
All of this, plus dazzling fireworks on display to light up the sky: What more could one possibly ask for?
For more information and to get your tickets to the Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau, click here.
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