The Hudson Hot Air Affair is the premier winter ballooning event and winter festival in the Midwest. Thousands of visitors head to the St. Croix Valley community in west central Wisconsin and local residents make it a homecoming every year on the first full weekend in February. About 40 colorful hot air balloons, including special shapes, launch in mass ascensions Saturday and Sunday mornings and light up the night at the Saturday evening Moon Glow or Field of Fire. Balloonists traditionally attend from Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska.

Over the years, the event has seen aeronauts from New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Michigan and Missouri. A full schedule of fun, winter events throughout the Hudson community bring delight to residents and visitors alike. Where else could you find a costumed torchlight parade, marching kazoo bands, smooshboarding, hot air balloons and a huge chili cook-off all on the same weekend? Founded in 1990 through the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, the festival is currently sponsored by Hudson Hot Air Affair Inc., a non-profit volunteer community organization.

Hudson Hot Air Affair is a spectator event with balloons sponsored by area businesses. No hot air balloon rides are sold. If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering with the event, go to the Sponsors/Volunteers page for more information.