TICKETS
EARLYBIRD TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2024
Tickets to the 2025 Family Carnival at Solway Showgrounds on Saturday 19 April provide 5 hours of action-packed entertainment, including:
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air balloon walk-throughs
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live music and entertainment
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bouncy castle for the kids
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Face Painting Zone and Animal Balloons
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Easter Egg Hunt - it will be Easter after all!
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The Fonterra Barrel Train
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selection of art and craft stalls from Wairarapa artisans
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the magical evening balloons performance - lit up to music
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delicious food and beverage options available for purchase at Food Truck Heaven
The 2025 Family Carnival will be an unforgettable experience, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Gates will open at 3pm, entertainment starts at 3pm. Parking will open from 2pm.
Ticket Options:
There are a number of ticket options available. If you're a family, take advantage of the family ticket, giving you entry for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Prices below include any Eventfinda fees. Please note there are no Gate Sales. Tickets must be purchased by the day before the Family Carnival.
Ticket Pricing: Please note Eventfinda ticket fees are additional
Campsite Tickets:
We are excited to offer camping facilities in the beautiful park-like grounds of Solway Showgrounds.
All campers staying must be self-contained. There are approximately 200 sites available including approximately 20 powered sites.
An unpowered site is $10 per person per night for non NZMCA members, or $7 per person per night for NZMCA members. Children under 18 years are free.
Powered sites are available for an additional $10 per night.
All campers must be self contained.
Click here for more details
It is going to be a busy weekend so to avoid disappointment book your camping site now to secure your site for a jam packed weekend of Balloon fun!
NZMCA members need to enter their membership number when purchasing campsite tickets, to redeem their discounted campsite rate.
Cancellation:
If the event cannot proceed, it will be cancelled. There is no postponement date. A decision on cancellation will be made no later than 8pm Friday 18 April. If the event is cancelled, you will be notified by email (via Eventfinda), and this will be shred on our website and social media channels. You will be given the choice of a ticket refund (minus the booking and credit card fees), or to transfer your ticket to our 2027 Family Carnival. If this happens, all details will be outlined n the email you receive in the days that follow.
Weather impact on Family Carnival Balloon Glow:
The weather and wind may affect when the Balloons Glow (the part of the programme when the balloons are lit up), happens and the type and length of the hot air balloons performance. 6pm is the earliest time that the Balloon Glow can take place. Balloons will be secured to the ground throughout the performance. No refunds will be given if the balloons are unable to perform to their full potential. The Family Carnival provides hours of entertainment, and the Balloon Glow is only one part of the event.
No smoking or vaping. But you can bring a picnic!
This is a smoke-free and vape-free event. Bag inspections will be conducted at the gate, and you may have your bag searched. We have a huge selection of food vendors at the event, or you are welcome to bring a picnic.
No pets:
The Family Carnival is not a pet-friendly event; the hot-air balloons scare most animals. You will not be allowed access the Family Carnival with a dog, no matter its size. Pets are allowed in the camping area, see the camping section for more details.
No Drones:
As per CAA rules, flying of drones is strictly prohibited at this event.
Alcohol:
The Family Carnival is a family-friendly event. There will be no alcohol sold at this event. Event staff have the right to inspect bags if necessary.
This event is brought to you by Ballooning Wairarapa. All money from ticket sales contribute towards the festival costs, and any surplus will be reinvested into Wairarapa Ballooning. We use local suppliers wherever possible, to ensure the money generated from this festival benefits our community.
Tickets for the 2025 Family Carnival will be on sale from 2 December 2024 through Eventfinda.
