Hello Wairarapa Balloon Festival ticketholders,
We can’t wait to welcome you to Solway Showgrounds on Saturday, it’s going to be a fun-filled evening! At this stage the weather is looking fine, but please keep an eye on the weather reports, and dress appropriately.
Below is some important information about the Family Carnival
When does the Family Carnival start and finish?
2pm Parking opens
3pm Gates open
3pm Entertainment begins
8pm Finish (approx)
For more details on the festival programme, click here
Buying extra tickets?
If you are wanting to purchase additional tickets, we strongly encourage you buy them BEFORE the event to avoid any queues or delays. Gate sales will take some time to process, and there will be a limited number of tickets available at the gate.
Parking
We have free onsite parking with a great crew who will do everything they can to make entering and exiting the event as smooth as possible. We are working with our traffic management team to ensure traffic flows the best it can, however, traffic may slow at times, please be patient.
Parking is limited so we encourage you to get there early. Parking opens at 2pm.
How to get to Solway Showgrounds?
From the North (Wellington, Upper Hutt, Kapiti Coast)
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Take State Highway 2 (SH2) north towards Masterton.
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Follow SH2 through Featherston, Greytown, and Carterton.
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As you approach Masterton, continue straight on SH2.
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Turn left onto Fleet Street, following signs for Solway Showgrounds.
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The entrance to Solway Showgrounds is on your left at 29 Fleet Street, Solway, Masterton.
From the South (Eketāhuna, Pahiatua, Palmerston North)
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Take State Highway 2 (SH2) south towards Masterton.
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Drive through Eketāhuna and continue towards Masterton.
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Once in Masterton, continue straight on SH2 past the town centre
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Turn right onto Judds road, following signs for Solway Showgrounds.
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The entrance to Solway Showgrounds is on your left at 29 Fleet Street, Solway, Masterton.
Additional Notes:
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The Solway Train Station is nearby for those arriving by train.
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There is parking available on-site.
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If using GPS, enter "Solway Showgrounds, 29 Fleet Street, Masterton" for accurate directions.
How do I get out after the event?
Follow the directions from the parking marshals' out to Fleet Street You will be guided from there.
Will there be door sales?
Yes there will be door sales, however these tickets will be limited, so we strongly encourage you purchase them before arrival. No cash will be accepted at the gate.
Will there be an ATM at the Night Glow?
No, however most of the food vendors will have their own Eftpos facilities. We also encourage you to bring cash.
Picnic Hamper collection
If you have purchased a picnic hamper, head to The Entice marquee before 6pm. Hampers can be picked up between the Grandstand and the Wairarapa Balloons Glow Stick Kiosk.
Hamper pick up is between 3pm – 6.00pm. Your hamper comes with utensils and a napkin so ready to go.
Camping information
Camping is only available to those who have purchased camping through Solway Showgrounds. All campervans, caravans and motorhomes must be self-contained for the length of their stay.
Alcohol Policy
We are a family-friendly alcohol free event. There will be no be alcohol sold at the Family Carnival and ticketholders are unable to bring any alcohol into the event. We reserve the right to search any persons or bags brought into the Night Glow and will confiscate any alcohol found. Thanks for your cooperation.
Pet Policy
Keep your fur babies at home. The Family Carnival is not a pet-friendly event; the hot-air balloons scare most animals. You will not be allowed access to the Family Carnival with a dog, no matter its size.
And lastly thank you!
Wairarapa Balloon Festival Family Carnival is a community event organised by Wairarapa Balloon Society, alongside a whole team of volunteers working hard to make this the best event we can. All profits will benefit our community and ensure the Wairarapa Balloon Festival can return in the future.
Thank you for your support!
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