One of Israel’s most colorful and popular summer events is set to return on August 13–14 at Eshkol Park in the northern Negev, following a three-year hiatus, with the skies over the region expected to fill once again with blue-and-white hot air balloons alongside a range of light, fire, and family attractions.
The festival, organized by the Shikma-Besor Tourism Association in cooperation with the Jewish National Fund (KKL), the Tourism Ministry, and the Agriculture Ministry, will open in the late afternoon with the launch of the camping area and access to the park’s wading pools.
As night falls, visitors will experience the Night Glow show, during which the giant balloons will be inflated and illuminated in vibrant colors synchronized to music. The event will also include fire performances, a circus procession, LED characters, light and laser installations, and an open-air party.
At sunrise on Friday, attendees will be able to observe the inflation of the hot air balloons up close before they lift off in a festive mass ascent over the northern Negev, marking one of the festival’s highlights.
Admission is priced at NIS 179 per person (from age two), with tickets available in advance via the Shikma-Besor Tourism website.