After months of grey skies and cold mornings, something bright is drifting back over the Saint John River valley — and it’s impossible to miss.
The River Bend Balloon Fest is returning to Bath, New Brunswick, and with it comes the sight that turns heads all weekend long: colourful hot air balloons lifting off against the morning mist and painting the sky above the river bend.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular who never misses a launch, there’s a rhythm to the festival that feels distinctly New Brunswicker. Early risers gather before sunrise, coffee in hand, watching crews unfurl the envelopes and coax the burners to life. Then, one by one, the balloons rise — quiet, unhurried, impossibly graceful — and drift over the farmland and water below.
It’s more than the launches, though. The fest brings together local food vendors, live music, family activities, and that small-town buzz that Bath does so well. Neighbours catch up, visitors discover the village, and kids crane their necks at the sky all day long.
This year’s edition promises to be bigger than ever. The full schedule, launch times, and ticket information are available through the festival’s official channels — and trust us, the sunrise launches are worth setting the alarm for.
Come for the balloons. Stay for the community. And bring your camera — the shots of colour over the river bend are the kind you’ll frame.
See you in Bath. 🎈
