One of North Alabama’s most popular Memorial Day weekend traditions is set to return as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic brings two days of balloons, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to Point Mallard Park May 23–24.
The free event, held annually in Decatur, draws visitors from across the Southeast for a full schedule of hot air balloon flights, competitions and community events.
Festivities begin early Saturday, May 23, at 6:30 a.m. with the hare and hound balloon race, where one balloon launches first and others follow in an attempt to land closest to a designated target.
Saturday’s lineup also includes a variety of daytime attractions, such as a hands-on historical tool area, antique tractor show and an antique and classic auto expo from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A tractor parade is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by a pedal tractor park and games for children starting at 11 a.m.
Balloon activity resumes in the evening, with select balloons launching at 5:30 p.m. while others remain on the ground to offer free tethered rides. Live music will take place from 5:30 to 10 p.m., leading up to the Balloon Glow at 8:15 p.m., when illuminated balloons light up the park.
Events continue Sunday, May 24, with the Lynn Layton Key Grab Balloon Race beginning around 7 a.m. Pilots will attempt to grab a ring from a tall pole while also aiming to drop a marker on a target below.
Additional balloon flights and tethered rides are scheduled for Sunday evening starting at 5:30 p.m., with live music from 6 to 10 p.m. The weekend concludes with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
The Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show will be open throughout the weekend, operating Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the park’s soccer fields.
Admission and parking for the Alabama Jubilee are free, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Organizers note that all balloon activities are weather dependent, with flights canceled in rain, strong winds or nearby storms. For safety, the launch field is smoke-free, pets are discouraged, and the park will operate as a no-drone zone during festival hours.
All events take place within Point Mallard Park, a 750-acre municipal park that offers year-round recreational amenities.
