The fifth edition of the balloon festival, which has become a recognizable cultural and tourist event on the Croatian scene, is taking place in Prelog from 3 to 6 September. The main stage of the event is located at Marina Prelog, where dynamic activities related to the most beautiful way of flying will take place over four days. 40 pilots from 15 countries are participating, which testifies to the international reputation of this event. A special point of interest is that world ranking list pilot Dominic Bareford is present, while Croatian pilot Igor Miklouš is the highest-ranked competitor from Croatia. Bojan Kugler, the current Croatian champion, is also part of this prestigious group, which further raises the level of competition.
The programme is enriched by 30 competition balloons, along with 10 special balloons that attract special attention from the public. Among them, formations in the shape of a large flying garden duck and a rhinoceros stand out, adding charm and visual appeal to the entire event. The organisers, comprising the Prelog City Tourist Board, Croatia Hot Air Balloon Team, Balon klub Zagreb and WTF Events, have devised a rich programme that includes a 'Picnic on the Drava'. This section offers visitors the opportunity to relax with food trucks, children's activities and the chance to enjoy tethered balloon flights, creating a festive yet relaxed atmosphere.
The flight schedule has been adapted to ensure maximum safety and a pleasant experience. Morning flights are scheduled for 06:30, allowing visitors to witness the aviation spectacle live in the early hours. Afternoon flights, scheduled for 17:30, offer the opportunity to watch the sunset from the air, which is particularly attractive to photography enthusiasts. However, the most interesting part of the programme for many are the night illuminated displays, which add a magical atmosphere to the evening part of the festival depending on weather conditions. Entry to the festival itself is free, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors, with the note that balloon flights are charged separately, offering a unique experience for those who wish to try a flight above the Prelog plain.
