Hudson Hot Air Affair has announced its 2023 event theme of “Experience the Magic” for its 34th annual celebration held on Feb. 3-5, 2023. Known as the premier hot air balloon rally and winter festival in the Midwest, this family-friendly community event is presented by WESTconsin Credit Union and supported by hundreds of sponsors, partners and volunteers.

This year the Hot Air Affair starts with a countdown event, the “Experience the Magic” Launch Party at The Real Magic House, 904 Sixth St., from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Come enjoy this magical kick off to the Hudson Hot Air Affair featuring local artists, a scavenger hunt, live music and fun surprises around every corner! This is a free event for all ages, but space is limited, and reservations are required.

This magical celebration is all about the balloons! Plans are underway to bring over 30 hot air balloons to Hudson for mass ascensions and other ballooning events on Feb. 4 and 5 (weather permitting). The magic theme will be observed throughout the Hot Air Affair weekend, beginning with the Torchlight Parade on Friday night, Feb. 3 with pilots and parade units sporting a magic theme. There will be fireworks after the parade. You can expect some interesting magic themed costumes at the smoosh board competition on Saturday.

Other returning annual favorites include the popular Moon Glow/Field of Fire on Saturday evening, the marketplace and craft fair, pancake breakfast, food drive, fat bike race, bingo, kite flying, kids’ Ice fishing, the St. Croix River Dunk, the Taste of Hot Air Affair fundraiser and so much more.

A detailed schedule with all the events and magical happening is available on the website. Please visit HudsonHotAirAffair. com for details or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.