34 hot air balloons, food and fun: Your guide to the 2023 Jackson Hot Air Balloon Jubilee

Aug 08, 2023

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – You can expect to see lots of hot air balloons in the air across Jackson County, weather permitting, of course.

The 2023 Jackson Hot Air Jubilee, celebrating 40 years in Jackson County, is set for Friday, July 21, through Sunday, July 23, at Ella Sharp Park, 2800 Fourth St. Admission and parking are free.

Related: Peek Through Time: July in Jackson means Jubilee where hot air balloons have filled the sky since 1983

“I am exceptionally excited about this year’s event,” Hot Air Jubilee Board Secretary Angela Madden said.

Here is your guide to all the fun at this year’s Hot Air Jubilee:

Balloon launches

Several chances to see 34 balloons in the air are scheduled throughout the weekend, weather permitting.

Launches are 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday A night glow will take place at dusk on Friday and Saturday.

Weather forecast

The National Weather Service long-range forecast for Jackson for the weekend calls for mostly clear skies with a high of 80 degrees on Friday, mostly sunny with a high of 81 on Saturday and a chance of showers on Sunday at 83 degrees.

Updates on launches will be posted prior to the launch times on the Hot Air Jubilee’s Facebook page.

Getting there and parking

Take S. Jackson Street to Elmdale Drive, then turn west to take Elmdale into the park. Turn left on Birchwood Drive and the parking lot is on the right.

Or, take Horton Road. to W. Hickory Avenue, then turn north, following the road as it runs beside the Ella Sharp Golf Course. Follow Hickory across Fourth Street and into the park. Take a left on Elmdale Drive and a right onto Birchwood Drive. Parking is on the right.

Handicap parking is located in the main parking area, near the front of Ella Sharp Park. Shuttles are available to assist visitors.

2023 U.S. Women’s Hot Air Balloon National Championship

An additional week of balloons was added this year through the U.S. Women’s Hot Air Balloon National Championship competition, which started Sunday, July 16.

Related: Jackson’s Hot Air Jubilee will host Women’s National Balloon Championships

The event lasts through Friday, July 21. During the competition, women from across the country will compete for a chance to be named a 2023 National Champion and potentially represent Team USA in the Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championships in 2025.

Competitive ballooning tests pilots’ skills in distance, speed and navigational precision. Each flight involves several competitive tasks, requiring pilots to use winds at different altitudes to steer their balloon to targets across the county.

Read more: Michigan hot air balloon pilot aims to honor dad by competing for national championship

Competition flights will launch, weather permitting, between 6:30 and 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, with some evening flights planned for Monday and Tuesday between 7:30-9 p.m. A ceremony will be hosted at dusk at the night glow on Friday.

Michigan pilots in the champtionship include Birmingham resident Dawn McKenzie and Chelsea resident Sanne Haarhuis.

Directory app

The Hot Air Jubilee is testing a directory app to help guests navigate the event. On the app, people can find a map of the site, a full schedule, a list of food vendors and the list of pilots and their balloons.

The app can be downloaded for free from the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee’s Facebook page.

Hot Rods and Hot Air Car Show:

A traditional highlight of the jubilee is the auto show. This year, there are two chances to see classic cars and unique rides.

Starting at 3:30 p.m. Friday, The Hot Rods and Hot Air Car Show will feature “Jeeps at the Jubilee,” where people can see a variety of Jeeps.

At 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the car show will continue with monster trucks, Model T rides and steam engine demonstrations.

Food, drink & entertainment

Vendors and events are planned from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday around the park

The Jubilee will have approximately 15 food vendors, including barbecue, ice cream novelties and traditional fair food.

There is no live music this year, but Pro DJ’s will be onsite to keep music going throughout the weekend.

The annual Kids Kingdom is 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the park. This free event includes games and prizes. Inflatable hamster balls are new this year, Madden said.

An adult beverage tent will be available by the launch site in the park.

More information can be found on the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee’s website.

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