Jozi Journeys
A Sunset Spectacle at Montgolfier Day: A Family Picnic and Night Glow Near Joburg
A celebration of flight in a place that already feels like it touches the sky
Just an hour outside Johannesburg, the Magalies River Valley becomes a doorway to something gentler and more whimsical every November. Montgolfier Day, hosted at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris in Skeerpoort, returns as one of the most uplifting family afternoons on the calendar. The name honours the Montgolfier brothers, the French pioneers who first took a hot air balloon into the sky in the 1700s. Today, the spirit of their adventure is kept alive not through flights, but through a warm, community-focused celebration.
The event takes place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, from midday until early evening, and invites families to simply relax on the lawns, grab something to eat, and reconnect with the old-fashioned pleasure of being outdoors. For Joburg residents used to the buzz of the city, the setting feels like a deep breath after a long week.
Food, sunshine, and aviation for all ages
Montgolfier Day is not a rush-around kind of event. It is built for lingering. Food and drink stalls line the space, giving visitors options for a casual picnic without the hassle of planning one from scratch. Children have room to run, parents have room to unwind, and aviation lovers get a quiet thrill from being this close to the world of ballooning.
Although there are no balloon flights included in the ticket, guests still get to enjoy the romance of the craft. Kids usually gather near the tethered balloons for photos, while older visitors appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into something that looks delicate but carries such history.
The moment everyone waits for
If the weather plays along, the day ends with a Night Glow at sunset. For anyone who has never seen one, it is a moment where the hot air balloons stay grounded but illuminate from within, turning into gigantic lanterns that pulse with colour. Against the backdrop of the Magalies Valley, it becomes an unforgettable display. It is simple, quiet, and strangely emotional. The crowd usually falls silent for a moment, which says more than any fireworks show ever could.
Of course, the glow is weather-dependent. That is part of the charm. Ballooning has always been at the mercy of nature, and the organisers make this clear: tickets cover the ground event only. The glow is a gift if the skies feel generous.
Why locals keep coming back
Montgolfier Day has built a loyal following because it offers something Joburg does not always have. It encourages people to slow down, let children be children, and experience an event that feels handcrafted rather than commercial. Families who attended before often return with friends, treating it as a small tradition before the festive season arrives.
Social media tends to light up with photos during the Night Glow, with many describing it as one of the most beautiful and affordable ways to spend a Saturday out of the city.
A gentle tradition worth keeping
In a country where most events are loud, fast, or themed around shopping, Montgolfier Day has carved out a quiet corner for wonder. Whether you go for the picnic, the Valley scenery, or the chance to see a line of hot air balloons glowing like giants at sunset, it is the kind of outing that stays with you.
For many Joburg families, this is one of the softest ways to end spring.
Also read: ‘Music Will Save The Day’ brings a powerful electronic experience to Johannesburg
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: AllEvents
Featured Image: AllEvents
