The sky above the National Capital Region will be filled with balloons this week as the 39th annual Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival lifts off. The festival begins Wednesday, with around 20 hot air balloons expected to take part in scheduled launches throughout the week, weather permitting. The festival at La Baie Park in Gatineau also features musical performances from the likes of Matt Lang, Smash Mouth, Simple Plan, Half-Moon Run, and more. Beyond the concerts and balloons, organizers say the festival offers amusement rides, a climbing wall, an obstacle course, country dancing, inflatable games, and a mobile arcade. Visitors can also meet and greet hot air balloon pilots, members of the Gatineau Olympiques, and Quebecois actor Patrice Bélanger. General admission and activities are free for children aged 10 and under, with the exception of the Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park. The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival runs Sept. 2 to 6. More details are available at the festival’s website.
