| Saga International Balloon Fiesta 佐賀インターナショナルバルーンフェスタ | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Hot Air Balloon Festival |
| Date(s) | Late October–Early November |
| Begins | 1978 |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | Kase River |
| Location(s) | Saga, Saga |
| Country | Japan |
| Years active | 1978–1979 (in Amagi) 1980–present (in Saga) |
| Previous event | 2023 |
| Next event | 2024 |
| Attendance | about 907,000 (2023) |
| Area | Saga |
| Website | www.sibf.jp |
The Saga International Balloon Fiesta (佐賀インターナショナルバルーンフェスタ, Saga Intānashonaru Barūn Fesuta) is held at the beginning of November every year in Saga Prefecture, Japan. In 2014 it took place between October 30 and November 3.
The fiesta is held just outside Saga City, along the Kase River. It has grown from a gathering of 5 hot air balloons to a competition where over 3500 people volunteer, and has gained a reputation as one of the top ballooning competitions in the world. It is also a popular time for tourists as the Karatsu Kunchi Festival is held at the same time in Karatsu. Since 1980 the launch site has been visited by over 10 million spectators.
For the duration of the event, a temporary JR station (Balloon Saga Station) ferries passengers between Saga City and Kubota.