Art of Flight Festival

The new Art of Flight Festival comes to Benalla from 6–12 April 2026, transforming the skies of Northeast Victoria into one of Australia’s most spectacular aviation events. A celebration of hot air balloons, drones, warbirds, gliders and general aviation, the festival brings together world-class competition and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

🌅 Hot Air Balloon Festival & International Championship

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Each morning at sunrise, more than 25 elite hot air balloon teams from Australia and overseas take to the skies in the Art of Flight International Balloon Championship. These breathtaking dawn flights are the best time to see balloons in action, with launches taking place across the region, centred on Benalla Airport and the towns of the northeast Silo Art Trail. For those wanting a truly unforgettable experience, ‘Fly with the Fleet’ passenger balloon flights are available—offering the chance to float above the landscape alongside competition balloons.

✨ Balloon Glow & Drone Show – Saturday Night

On Saturday 11 April, the festival comes alive with the “Light Up the Night” Balloon Glow & Drone Show at Wangaratta Turf Club. As the sun sets, illuminated balloons glow in synchrony, combined with a spectacular drone light display, live entertainment, and local food and wine. This is a ticketed event and one of the most anticipated highlights of the festival.

✈️ Fly-In & Family Day – Free Entry

The festival concludes on Sunday 12 April with a Fly-In and community morning at Benalla Airport (FREE entry). Highlights include:

• The exciting Balloon Key Grab competition

• Historic aircraft from the Benalla Aviation Museum, including the Winjeel and Moth Minor aviation displays and a special guest aircraft flying in from Wangaratta

• Gliders, flight simulators and aviation experiences from the Gliding Club of Victoria

🌏 A Pathway to the World Stage

In 2026, the festival proudly incorporates the Australian National Championships, sanctioned by the Australian Ballooning Federation. Results from Benalla will help determine which Australian pilots qualify to represent the nation at the World Hot Air Balloon Championship in Krosno, Poland later this year.

👀 Plan Your Visit

• Daily balloon flights: Sunrise (weather permitting)

• Best viewing: Look to the skies across Benalla and Northeast Victoria

• Getting there: Just over two hours from Melbourne and an easy road trip from Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, and northeast Victoria

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🎟️ Don’t Miss Out

• Book your Balloon Glow & Drone Show tickets

• Secure your place on a ‘Fly with the Fleet’ balloon flight

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