Soar High This Memorial Day at the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic

Lillie Beth Warner • May 17, 2024

Join us at Point Mallard Park May 25-26th at the 47th Annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

The 47th Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Each year, as Memorial Day weekend approaches, the skies above Decatur, Alabama, come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and the gentle whoosh of hot-air balloons. The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic, a cherished tradition in North Alabama, promises a weekend filled with excitement, entertainment, and family fun.

Scheduled for May 25-26 at the beautiful Point Mallard Park, this annual event is a spectacle not to be missed. More than 55 vibrant hot-air balloons will take flight over Decatur. But the Alabama Jubilee is more than just a hot-air balloon festival; it's a celebration of community spirit and shared joy.

A Tradition of 47 Years

For 47 years, the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic has brought together locals and visitors alike for a weekend of festivities. It has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition, eagerly anticipated by families and balloon enthusiasts year after year. The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic, the oldest race of its kind in the mid-South, has been a cherished tradition in Decatur since its inception in 1978. Born out of the city's burgeoning interest in hot-air ballooning, the Jubilee began with the training of pilots for Decatur's newly acquired balloon and quickly evolved into a vibrant festival showcasing the city's pioneering spirit and the beauty of ballooning. Today, drawing pilots from across the nation, the Jubilee continues to be a highlight of the Memorial Day weekend, earning Decatur the title of “Ballooning Capital of Alabama” and recognition as a top tourism event in the Southeast.

A Weekend of Activities

The festivities kick off bright and early on Saturday, May 27, at 6:15 a.m. with the hound and hare balloon race—a thrilling competition where pilots vie to get closest to a target set by the hare balloon.

Throughout the day, there's something for everyone, from the Point Mallard Auto Expo showcasing classic vehicles to the Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show, offering handmade treasures by local artisans.

As the day progresses, the excitement builds with motorcycle shows, tractor parades, and captivating performances by bands on stage. As the sun sets, the highlight of the evening unfolds with the Balloon Glow—an enchanting display where towering balloons light up the night sky.

On Sunday, May 28, the festivities continue with more balloon activities, including the Lynn Layton Chevrolet Key Grab—a friendly competition among hot-air balloon pilots. Throughout the day, visitors can explore the arts and crafts show, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious food from vendors scattered throughout the park.

Admission and Information

Admission to the Alabama Jubilee is free, making it accessible to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities comfortably. However, pets are discouraged due to the loud noise generated by the balloons and the large crowds.

It's important to note that all balloon activities are weather permitting, ensuring the safety of participants and spectators alike. Additionally, Point Mallard Park is designated as a “No-Drone Zone” during the Alabama Jubilee, in accordance with FAA regulations.

For those looking for more information and a detailed schedule of events, the official website of the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic, www.alabamajubilee.net, is the go-to resource.

Schedule of events

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Balloon & Entertainment Events

6:00am - Pilot briefing @ stage
6:30am - Hound and hare balloon race
8:00am - Registration for 50th annual point mallard auto expo, behind Spirit of America stage
2:30 - 3:00pm - The Fraternity (barbershop quartet) @ Stage
3:00pm - point mallard auto expo ends
5:00pm - pilot briefing @ stage
5:30pm - Balloon fun flight
5:30 - 6:00pm - Hayes Warner, presented by WZYP-FM @ Stage
6:00 - 10:00pm - Chad Burdine and the Best Men @ Stage
8:15pm - Balloon glow

Southland Flywheelers Tractor Show

Located near former site of T.C. Almon Recreation Center

8:00am - Display area opens to the public
10:00am - Tractor Parade of Power (around the jubilee field)
11:00am - Tractor games
11:00am - 1pm - Pedal Tractor Park (6 years old and under) Pedal tractor park open to public all day - no charge
Hands-on Historical Tool Area - Open to the public all day - no charge

Decatur Art Guild Arts & Crafts Show

Located at the Soccer Fields

7:00am - 7:00pm Soccer Fields

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Balloon & Entertainment Events

6:00am - Pilot Briefing @ Stage
6:30am - Lynn Layton Chevrolet Key Grab Balloon Race
7:00am - Balloons begin arriving on field
2:00 - 4:00pm - Karaoke @ Stage
5:00pm - Pilot briefing @ Stage
5:30pm - Balloon fun flight
6:00 - 10:00pm - Rewind of the Shoals @ Stage
6:30pm - Balloon tethers
9:30pm - Alabama jubilee fireworks spectacular by pyro shows

Decatur Art Guild Arts & Crafts Show

8:00am - 6:00pm Soccer Fields

The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic is more than just a festival; it's a testament to the spirit of community and the joy of shared experiences. As the balloons take flight and the festivities unfold, memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of celebration fills the air. Join us this Memorial Day weekend for a soaring adventure at the Alabama Jubilee!

Learn More About the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

< Older Post Newer Post >

10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Decatur & Morgan County!

By Emma Martin • April 21, 2025

With summer just around the corner, you're likely on the lookout for fun ways to keep your kids active and entertained. Check out our Top 10 favorite kid-friendly experiences!

Step Into the Story: April Walking Tours & Storyteller Sips in Decatur

By Emma Martin • April 4, 2025

Step Into the Story: April Walking Tours & Storyteller Sips in Decatur

Bleisure: The Hottest New Tourism Trend

By Danielle Gibson • March 24, 2025

Bleisure: The Hottest New Tourism Trend

Faith, Architecture, and Activism: The Story of First Missionary Baptist Church

By Emma Martin • February 21, 2025

In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.

Decatur Now and Then

By Emma Martin • January 21, 2025

Decatur Now and Then

Ring in 2025 in Style: New Year's Eve in the River City

By Emma Martin • December 27, 2024

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year in the River City, look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve itinerary to ensure you have an evening full of amazing food, drinks, and excitement. From a fantastic dinner to a lively pre-game cocktail hour, and an unforgettable casino night, the River City has it all.

Decatur’s Festival of the Cranes: A Celebration of Nature and Community

By Emma Martin • December 12, 2024

Over the years, Decatur, Alabama, has become a haven for nature lovers every January. The annual Festival of the Cranes draws spectators from near and far to marvel at the majestic Sandhill and Whooping Cranes as they make their winter migration south