Hot Air Balloon Festivals

Hot Air Balloon Festivals

Attending a hot air balloon festival is an amazing experience for anyone interested in hot air balloons. These Washington State balloon festivals bring together pilots, families, and groups of all kinds to celebrate this amazing tradition of flying. Hot air balloon festivals usually feature mass balloon ascensions, night balloon glows, races, and other fun events. They’re also a great opportunity to fly with many other balloons and see the world from a new perspective. There are hundreds of hot air balloon festivals around the world, and no two are alike. Each balloon festival highlights the natural environment of its location and offers different experiences and activities.

If you’re looking for an epic family outing or want to travel and see some amazing festivals, check out one of the three hot air balloon festivals in Washington State!

Winthrop Balloon Roundup

Feb 28th – March 2, 2025

Join Seattle Ballooning on our hot air balloon rides in Winthrop, Washington for the annual Winthrop Balloon Round-Up. Taking place the first weekend of March, over a dozen hot air balloonists gather in the small town for an epic flying winter flying adventure. Those lucky enough to book a spot on one of our hot air balloon rides will get to experience panoramic views of snowy rivers, North Cascades, and endless backcountry.

Each morning (weather permitting), the hot air balloon rides get set to launch around 7 a.m. Watching the balloon inflation is a magnificent sight in itself as the beautiful colors come to life. Once the hot air balloon rides lift-off they will soar above the Methow Valley creating a visual display of vibrant colors that truly pop against the glistening snow background. Typically, hot air balloon rides last around an hour and head north towards the airport. You will fly just above the treetop as you head over the river and other times climb thousands of feet before you land. Upon landing, you receive a proper champagne toast to cap off your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Winthrop has something for everyone to do during the 3-Day Balloon festival! This little mountain town with a western theme is filled with unique boutiques, wonderful restaurants, and charming overnight options. Known for their world-class winter recreational activities, you will find nearly every outdoor activity available from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice skating at the outdoor rink! It’s a four-hour drive from Seattle and a great place to stay for the entire weekend. Perfect for any outdoor enthusiast, or those looking to get away for a weekend with the family you will not be disappointed by booking a trip to take an adventure on one of the few winter hot air balloon rides.

Walla Walla Hot Air Balloon Stampede

May 9th – 12th, 2024

Soaring above the vineyards and rolling hills of Walla Walla, a hot air balloon ride during the Balloon Stampede is an unforgettable experience. This year’s Balloon Stampede takes place Mother’s Day Weekend May 8th-May 12th 2024. This is the best time to take a hot air balloon ride while new leaves are growing and spring is awakening. The view is beautiful no matter what time you fly, but flying in the spring is even more special. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the vineyards, rolling hills, and surrounding countryside while flying above the city.

If you have never been hot air ballooning, a flight during the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede for the ultimate adventure. This annual festival brings together over 20 balloon pilots from around the Northwest for the whole community to enjoy. Attendees can watch the balloons inflate, experience a flight, or attend one of the many events taking place throughout the weekend such as the balloon glow. There’s something for everyone at the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede!

If you are looking to fly in the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede you must be a pilot yourself, sponsor the event, or book a commercial flight with Seattle ballooning. The only company to provide commercial Balloon Flights in Walla Walla, there are two hot air balloon rides a day, sunrise or sunset with private and shared options available. Instead of launching with the private balloons from the Howard Tietan Park, Seattle Ballooning has secured multiple launch locations around the wine country resulting in better views and longer flight times. Halfway through the flight, the commercial pilots join up and fly with the private balloons from the festival.

Prosser Balloon Festival

Sept 27th – 29th, 2024

Fly high above the Prosser Valley on one of Seattle Ballooning’s commercial hot air balloon rides this summer Sept 27th, 28th, and 29th 2024. Each day, over 20 hot air balloon pilots are planned to launch, dotting the skyline with their Brilliant colorful balloons. You will fly along the Yakima River, with a 360-degree view of the vineyards, sweeping farmland, and surrounding mountains.
For many people, a hot air balloon ride is on their bucket list. Take it to the next level, and go on an adventure as you fly along 30 other hot air balloons.

Your flight will start in the morning at the Prosser airport, where the beautiful colors will come to life upon the balloon inflation. Typically, our hot air balloon rides last for right around an hour before you land. Once you land, we’ll celebrate you becoming an aeronaut with a champagne toast! If you are only going to go on a hot air balloon ride once, make it memorable with our luxury festival experience.

Beyond an unforgettable hot air ballooning experience, Prosser has something to do for everyone in your group. Your weekend getaway can be filled with wine tasting, fresh farmers’ markets, and exploration into the amazing trails, rivers, and outdoor activities it has to offer.

Private Hot Air Balloon Festival

Discover a rare and extraordinary adventure at the Kongregation an exclusive and secret multi-day hot air balloon festival in Washington TBD (Just 1 hour from Downtown Seattle!). This year’s secret balloon festival will be released shortly. Over a dozen hot air balloons will paint the sky with a vibrant tapestry of hues.

This is not just any hot air balloon festival. It’s a gathering of passionate hot air balloon pilots and enthusiasts from across the Northwest. This is not an official festival and isn’t promoted, as it’s more of a private event where hot air balloonists come to fly and hang out with each other.

Securing a hot air balloon ride during the private weekend event. As the the largest balloon company in the Northwest, Seattle Ballooning brings multiple commercial hot air balloons and offers a very limited number of spots for guests to join in on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Call 206-747-5802 to see availability for this exclusive experience

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General FAQs About Hot Air Balloon Festivals

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How long are hot air balloon rides?

Flight time vary based upon location, wind speed, and direction. We aim to fly for about 60 minutes. The whole experience is around 2.5 hours from pick up to drop off from the meeting location.

What weather conditions do you need for hot air ballooning?

Hot air ballooning is completely weather-dependent. At Seattle Ballooning, we are committed to safety and do not fly in poor weather conditions. We do not fly in rain, thunderstorms, low clouds, or fast winds.

What is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world?

The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is the number one hot air balloon festival in the world. A world-renowned destination, over 750,000+ hot air balloonists head to the balloon fiesta field for the experience. Admission includes a variety of activities people of all ages enjoy including night balloon glow, special shapes, delicious food vendors/food truck, beer or wine garden, and a skydiving demonstration. Truly the greatest celebration in ballooning. Tickets are available for daily or weekly admission.

Are hot air balloon festivals free to attend?

While many festivals are free some do charge for admission for festival weekend events. All the festivals we will be attending this year are free to the public to come and watch but if you want to fly you’ll need to book a ticket.

Do you do tethered rides at festivals?

We do not offer tethered rides at our hot air balloon festivals. Feel free to contact us if you would like to schedule a tethered ride or event.

What are other amazing festivals to go to?

Colorado: The Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off
Head over to Colorado Springs nestled in the rocky mountains to enjoy over 70 pilots take to the sky. You’ll get the most picturesque photo of colorado springs and all the balloons including special shapes.