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MAKE THE MOST OF LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

AT THE GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

Simple Plan, Smash Mouth, Half Moon Run, hot air balloon lift-offs and more from September 2 to 6

Gatineau, QC – The countdown is almost over: the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG) kicks off in just a few hours! Presented by Loto-Québec, in collaboration with Desjardins, the 39th edition will bring five days of live entertainment, hot air balloons, family activities and memorable moments to La Baie Park in Gatineau.

Music fans can look forward to several major performances throughout the weekend, including Smash Mouthon Thursday, September 3, Simple Plan on Friday, September 4, and Half Moon Run on Saturday, September 5, as part of a lineup featuring more than 40 shows.

Around 20 hot air balloons are also expected to take part in scheduled launches throughout the Festival, weather permitting. Visitors will have many opportunities to experience the world of hot air ballooning through the ORIZON immersive experience, a walk-in hot air balloon to explore, and opportunities to meet hot air balloon pilots.

Beyond the concerts and balloons, the FMG offers plenty to enjoy with family and friends, including amusement rides, a climbing wall, an obstacle course, country dancing, inflatable games, a mobile arcade and much more.

General admission and activities are free for children aged 10 and under, with the exception of the Beauce Carnaval Amusement Park.

Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival is an easy Labour Day weekend outing for families, music fans and anyone looking to make the most of the final days of summer.

Festivalgoers can still purchase tickets and view the complete schedules for concerts, activities and balloon launches at FMG2026.ca.

From September 2 to 6, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival takes over La Baie Park for five days of music, hot air balloons and summer fun.

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Source : FMG

Press relations in Montreal and the rest of the province 

Lyne Dutremble – annexe 

514 952-5047 / lyne@annexe.media  

Sara-Jade Burton – Coordinator, Communications and Media relations 

819 243-2330 ext: 142 / burtonsj@festivalfmg.ca