Canowindra International Balloon Challenge

04/05/2026

New Achievement Unlocked: National Fuel Security Benchmark. 🏆🎈

We didn’t have 'Become the Level 4 Fuel Security Benchmark' on our 2026 bingo card, but here we are! Consider us the 'Final Boss' you never want to meet. We’ll stay happily tucked away at Level 2 so the only thing people have to worry about is planning their trip to next year's Festival! 🫶

Glad the Allsorts Ballooning crew is keeping a close eye on the 'Safety Meter' for us! 📊

The Cheap Seats you’re invited to the 2027 Challenge to see why we’re worth protecting! 🎈

2027 Festival Dates: April 11 - April 26 2027

30/04/2026

The Night Canowindra Sparkled! ✨🔥
There is truly nothing like the magic of the Cabonne Community Glow. This year, the atmosphere was absolutely electric, and we’ve captured some of that spark in the photos! 📸

It wasn’t just about the balloons (though they looked spectacular!); it was about the thousands of smiling faces in the crowd, the incredible energy of our performers, and that unmistakable feeling of community that makes this event so unique.

If these photos give you a bit of "FOMO," now is the time to fix that! The 2027 Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is already on the horizon, and we want you right there in the middle of the crowd with us.

🗓️ Mark your calendars: April 17 – 26, 2027.

A massive thank you to everyone who came out to make this night so bright. Tag in the comments if you spot a familiar face in the crowd! 👇

📍 Stay updated for 2027: www.canowindrachallenge.org.au

📸 Laura Cochrane.

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

Witness the Magic: When Canowindra Lights Up the Night! 🌟🎈

Our penultimate day is always the soul of the festival, and this year's was nothing short of magic. We kicked things off with our vibrant Street Parade, where the historic Gaskill Street came alive with community members, vintage wheels, the Ben Hall re-enactment and the incredible pilots who make this event possible. 🎈🎉

But the real show-stopper? The Cabonne Community Glow! 🌟As the sun set over the Central West, the Sports Oval transformed into a field of giants. Hot air balloons stood tall like 20-metre-high lightbulbs, flickering and glowing in perfect sync to a soundtrack of the best hits from the last 20 years. 🎶🔥

Combine that with the buzzing Night Markets, stalls of food, wine and craft, and a community spirit you won't find anywhere else - it truly is a sensory experience like no other.

Missed out this time? Don't let it happen again! Start planning your trip for next year now. Whether you're a photographer, a foodie, or just looking for the ultimate family road trip, the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is the place to be. 🚐💨

📍 Save the date for next April. 17-26 April 2027.

🎟️ Follow us for 2027 details!

✨ Experience the magic for yourself.

Destination NSW Discover Cabonne Visit Canowindra Central NSW Tourism 7NEWS Central West WIN News Central West ABC Central West Orange360

22/04/2026

Thank you to all our local schools who helped to decorate local shop windows to brighten Gaskill St for Balloon Week. We really appreciate everyone's efforts. They all looked fantastic.
Thank you to everyone who entered our colouring in competition. It was extremely hard to judge. Winners of each age group will receive a $5 gift voucher from Foodworks Canowindra, and the vouchers will be sent to the students' school.
Thank you to all the shop owners for allowing us to display the artworks in your windows this year.

Colouring In Competition Winners
5 years - Paitun from St Edward's
6 years- Alayla from Eugowra PS
7 years - Quinn St Edward's
8 years- Maddie St Edward's
9 years - Kai Canowindra PS
10 years - Evelyn from St Edward's
11 years - Charlotte Canowindra PS
12 years- Aria from Canowindra PS

20/04/2026

That’s a wrap on 2026! Thank you to everyone who came along and enjoyed the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge! We can’t wait to see you in Canowindra - 17–26 April, 2027!
Check out the Canowindra Live App, social media or www.canowindrachallenge.org.au for all the exciting activities on during our 2027 Balloon Week!

19/04/2026

Friday Night Concert

18/04/2026

I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the incredible team of volunteers behind the Canowindra Balloon Challenge. These amazing people give so much of their own time—juggling jobs, families, and businesses—to bring this event to life. What many don’t see is just how much heart and soul goes into making it the success it is every year. I’ve had the privilege of seeing some of the behind-the-scenes effort, and it’s nothing short of inspiring. And the work never really stops—they’re already preparing for 2027!
Tom Beath, your leadership and dedication to this town go above and beyond. I’d love for more people to truly understand what you do by walking in your shoes for just one day.
Debra Clarke, you are such an incredible asset to our community. The time, energy, and even personal business resources you pour into this event don’t go unnoticed. The Friday night concerts are a highlight every year, and that’s all thanks to you and Round Box Media.
To everyone else on the board—Canowindra thanks you. You should all be so proud of what you’ve achieved once again in 2026.
As for me, I was a bit missing in action this year due to other commitments, but I couldn’t be prouder to call you all my friends.
Stand tall—you did it again.
Annette xx

03/11/2025

We Are Back on the MAIN street