SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Hot air balloons fill the sky during the annual Alabama Jubilee at Point Mallard Park. Families gather for live music, balloon glows, and fireworks during the Memorial Day weekend tradition.
DECATUR, Ala. — Get ready to look to the skies—one of North Alabama’s most beloved traditions is returning as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic lifts off Memorial Day weekend with two days of family fun, culture, and community celebration.
Set for May 23–24 at Point Mallard Park, the free event draws thousands from across the Southeast for a weekend filled with colorful hot air balloons, live entertainment, and activities or all ages.
The excitement begins early Saturday morning with the popular “hare and hound” balloon race, where pilots compete to land closest to a target. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a mix of attractions, including antique tractors, classic cars, hands-on historical exhibits, and interactive games for children.
As the sun sets, the festival truly comes alive.
Evening balloon launches begin at 5:30 p.m., along with free tethered rides that give guests a chance to experience the magic up close. Live music fills the air before the crowd-favorite Balloon Glow at 8:15 p.m., when illuminated balloons transform the park into a breathtaking display of light and color.
The celebration continues Sunday with more balloon races, live entertainment, and another evening of flights and family fun—culminating in a fireworks show to close out the weekend. Organizers say the Alabama Jubilee is more than just an event—it’s a tradition that brings people together.
With free admission and parking, families are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a spirit of celebration.
Because in North Alabama, moments like this remind us that sometimes the best way to come together… is to rise above it all.