The Canowindra Garden Club float was a standout in the street parade.
The 2025 Canowindra International Balloon Challenge wrapped up in style, with a packed week of vibrant festivities from 26 April to 4 May, delighting both locals and visitors alike. Known for our town’s picturesque balloon launches and welcoming country charm, Canowindra once again delivered a stunning event that blended tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
Kicking off the festival was the Welcome to Canowindra Party on 26 April, sponsored by the Newmont Orange 360 Event Fund and organised by the Canowindra Progress Association. Despite a welcome downpour of rain—a blessing for local farmers and long-awaited by the town—the celebration was far from dampened. Around 2,000 attendees packed into the Canowindra Services Club hall, where market stalls were moved indoors, food trucks lined the streets outside, and local musicians Nerida Cuddy and Neil Gill kept the energy high with live performances.
A highlight of the opening day was the fiercely contested BBQ Competition, with the meat supplied by Canowindrda Butchers. With generous support from local businesses who sponsored a brand new BBQ for each competitor and the Canowindra Services Club, the winners took home a full lamb, half a lamb, and various prizes and vouchers—adding a bit of delicious competition to the day’s camaraderie.
Throughout the week, weather permitting, the balloons took to the skies in breathtaking displays. On days when conditions were right, the sight of colourful hot air balloons floating above the scenic countryside continued to capture the imagination of attendees, creating moments of awe and wonder.
Canowindra’s vibrant local businesses and community groups also contributed a wide array of activities that enriched the festival experience. Brightly coloured artwork from our local children and residents adorned the shop windows of Gaskill Street.
Rosnay Wines hosted a screening of Flickerfest, bringing acclaimed short films to the region. The Creative Cure offered engaging workshops, while local art exhibitions showcased regional talent. The Canowindra Public School P&C’s trivia night added a touch of fun and friendly competition to the week. The book launch to coincide with the 150 years of public education celebration in Canowindra was also an event not to be missed.
One of the standout community events was the Open Gardens at Noojee Lea, coordinated by the Canowindra Garden Club.
This floral showcase was a huge success, drawing visitors into beautifully manicured gardens and raising $1,000 for the Canowindra Hospital.
On Friday night, music lovers were treated to a high-energy evening at the Home Ground Sounds concert, headlined by Casey Barnes and Furnace and The Fundamentals. Their signature party anthems turned the night into an unforgettable celebration.
The CWA Breakfast on Saturday morning was once again a stand out and the Street Parade was one of the best ever seen with record participants and of course the balloon pilots and crew who were cheered on. The Ben Hall reenactment never disappoints the crowds and is now a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike to come and see.
The festival’s finale came with the dazzling Cabonne Community Glow, where over 140 stallholders and 45 food trucks lined the oval and created a bustling “eat street” atmosphere. As night fell, the balloons stole the show once again with a choreographed glow performance, lighting up the ovals in time with music and sending a wave of enchantment across the crowd.
This year’s Balloon Week reaffirmed Canowindra’s place as one of Australia’s premier regional festivals. With a perfect mix of balloon magic, local culture, and family-friendly entertainment, it was a resounding success. Organisers have already announced that the 2026 event will be held during the school holidays, from April 11 to 18—so mark your calendars for what promises to be an even bigger and better celebration next year.
