Italian International Balloon Grand Prix
Around 100 hot air balloons from all over the world colour the Umbrian skies
About Balloon Grand Prix
Hot Air Balloons over Umbria
The Italian International Balloon Grand Prix is the most important aerostatic competition in Italy and one of the best-known hot air balloon gatherings in the world. The main base is the San Terenziano airfield, in the municipality of Gualdo Cattaneo, in the province of Perugia, with flights also covering Massa Martana and the Lake Trasimeno area. For ten days, around 100 hot air balloons from dozens of countries liven up the Umbrian skies.
Dawn Flights and Competitions
The rhythm of the event is set by the morning flights: every day, at dawn, the balloons take off from the departure bases to fly over the landscape of medieval villages, Sagrantino vineyards, and olive groves, landing in the Todi area and its surroundings. Alongside recreational flights, precision competitions and races are held among the pilots, at the end of which the edition's winner is proclaimed.
The Night Glow on Lake Trasimeno
Among the most spectacular events is the Night Glow: at sunset, dozens of hot air balloons are inflated and illuminated from within by the burners, transforming into enormous luminous lanterns. The show takes place on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, involving locations such as Passignano, Tuoro, Castiglione del Lago, and Magione.
An Event with International Reach
Described by its organisers as "the most relaxed hot air balloon holiday in the world," the Grand Prix combines aerial sport, food and wine tourism, and the discovery of central Umbria's territory: between flights, crews and visitors explore wineries, villages, and art cities.
Balloon Grand Prix — edition 2026
The 39th edition of the Balloon Grand Prix, from 24 July to 2 August 2026, confirms central Umbria as the capital of hot air ballooning. Around 100 balloons from all over the world will take to the skies every morning from the bases in Gualdo Cattaneo (San Terenziano airfield) and Massa Martana, flying over Sagrantino vineyards and medieval villages, with landings in the Todi area. For 2026, the organisation has announced a focus on recreational flights and the cancellation of the "America's Transoceanic Balloon Festival" component due to international geopolitical tensions.
Programme Balloon Grand Prix 2026
Confirmed programme for the 2026 edition (24 July – 2 August):
- Every morning, 6:00 AM — Hot air balloon flights from the departure bases (alternating between Gualdo Cattaneo and Massa Martana), with a flight over the Umbrian landscape and landing in the Todi area.
- Sunday 27 July, 9:00 PM–10:00 PM — Night Glow on the shores of Lake Trasimeno: around 60 hot air balloons inflated and illuminated after sunset, with simultaneous ignitions in Passignano sul Trasimeno, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, and Castiglione del Lago.
- During the ten days — Precision competitions and races among the pilots, at the end of which the winner of the 39th edition is proclaimed.
Flight times depend on weather conditions. Updated details on the official website sagrantinocup.it.
Highlights Balloon Grand Prix 2026
Prices Balloon Grand Prix 2026
Practical information — Balloon Grand Prix
How to get there
The San Terenziano airfield is located in the municipality of Gualdo Cattaneo (PG). By car from the E45 (Todi exit) or the SS3 Flaminia. The other locations (Massa Martana and the Lake Trasimeno area) are reachable by car within a few kilometres.
When to watch the flights
Flights take place every morning at dawn (around 6:00 AM), weather permitting. The evening Night Glow is held on the shores of Lake Trasimeno.
Admission
Attendance at the flights and the Night Glow is generally free. For passenger flights and dedicated activities, consult the official website.
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Where does it take place — Balloon Grand Prix
Aviosuperficie di San Terenziano (Gualdo Cattaneo)