Colorful Hot Air Balloons Will Soar Over Wine Country This Weekend For A Sonoma Tradition

Every year, colorful hot air balloons take to the sky, cruising over the scenic vineyards and rolling hills in Sonoma County. The cherished two-day event is the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, scheduled for this weekend on July 19 and 2o, 2025 . The annual event is run entirely by volunteers, and all the proceeds go to support local charities. It starts in the early hours on Saturday, with gates opening at 4 am . People are happy to embrace the early hours for the beloved “Glow Show” at 5:00 am. Light up balloons take flight as the sun rises to kick off the celebration. Then, at 6:30 am , the main launch will commence, sending approximately 20 balloons into the air. Until 10:30 am, they will also offer tethered hot air balloon rides . Food trucks, a photo balloon, a fun zone, and more will occur throughout the morning celebration. Sunday follows the same schedule, with the day starting at 4:00 am. Tickets for the event start at $25 and include parking in the fee. If you want to embark on a tethered balloon ride, you have to purchase an additional ticket. While the event wraps up in the late morning, there are still plenty of things to do in the area, notably visiting one of Sonoma’s numerous vineyards . Another hidden gem located in Santa Rosa is the charming Charles M. Schulz Museum, featuring all your favorite Peanuts characters. Often called the “Snoopy Museum,” it features original comic strip s, a recreation of Schulz’s studio, and more. * 🚗 Travel : Depending on traffic, it takes just over an hour to drive from San Francisco to the fairgrounds via the 101 North. * 📍 Location : Sonoma County Fairgrounds: 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, Ca 95404 * 🎟️ Tickets: more information and tickets can be found here Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/sonoma-county-hot-air-balloon-classic/