Château-d’Oex in southwest Switzerland draws balloonatics (hot air balloon enthusiasts) from around the world for the Festival International de Ballons. Set for Jan. 24–Feb. 2, the 37th annual festival features numerous competitions including a high-precision Parmigiani Target Race, Don Quichotte Race, a Fly Back and a traditional Hare and Hounds race, during which competitors chase a “hare” balloon.

There’s plenty of entertainment, with a Special Shapes category. Just a few of the balloons that will be featured include Francisco Naccarato’s gigantic Yellow Jacket (Brazil), Stefan Wälchli’s Policeman’s Head (Switzerland), Benjamin Senn’s Cat (Switzerland) and Sébastien Théfaut-Subéry’s soaring Lighthouse (France).

Air performances will include Voltige Unlimited Freestyle, a special presentation or air figures by pilot Jérôme Cusin; and Sky Chariots and Cloudhoppers, with flight demonstrations of single-seater craft with attached balloons. Other presentations include RC Models with small-scale, remote-controlled balloons; piloted Airships (also known as “hotships”); and a Children’s Afternoon with tethered rides, shows and a group balloon release. Festival goers can even schedule their own passenger participation (weather and flight condition dependent) on flights above the Pays-d’Enhaut valley.