The International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Of all the festivals, it’s clear that we have a deep attachment to the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu International Hot Air Balloon Festival. It’s our very own festival, as residents of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This festival, which takes place in mid-August and features several guest stars—both local and international—performing on stage in the evening, is an event not to be missed! A family-friendly festival, packed with activities and shows for all ages, all tastes, and all genres… for everyone, really!

For us, it’s a festive time when we celebrate our passion among our family of balloonists, who come from all over the world. We reunite with friends and colleagues both on the ground and in the air, as we have the chance to share our sky with over fifty hot air balloons at the same time. Did you know that at the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu International Hot Air Balloon Festival, there have already been over a hundred large balloons taking to the skies simultaneously? Yes, yes, right here!

Did you also know that our city has hosted big international names such as the Backstreet Boys, Kesha, LMFAO, Kenny Rogers, Bryan Adams, Jason Derulo, and many others? Not to mention our Quebec-based artists who have also performed during the festival, such as Arianne Moffat, Éric Lapointe, Les Cowboys Fringants, Marie-Mai, France D’amour, Charlotte Cardin, Alicia Moffet, Fouki, the Star Académie alumni, and many more—we can’t possibly name them all!

The hot-air balloon capital of Quebec is right here in our city, and we must uphold this title to continue honoring our city’s image—one defined by the magical, colorful, and fantastical atmosphere these immense balloons bring to the region’s skies, whether in summer or winter, not just during the festival but as an integral part of it. It’s an event for all of us, as residents of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The hot air balloon is part of the festival, and the festival is the festival of hot air balloons. Together, they create a spectacular event that represents us.