WINTHROP, WASHINGTON — March 6–8, 2026
The Winthrop Balloon Roundup—also known as the Winthrop Balloon Festival—has officially been ranked the Top Winter Hot Air Balloon Festival in the United States and the #1 Hot Air Balloon Festival in Washington State. Not to mention, it only has 5 star reviews from participants!
Each March, dozens of colorful hot air balloons rise above the snow-covered Methow Valley, painting the sky and drawing thousands of visitors to the charming Old West town of Winthrop.
This year’s festival takes place March 6–8, 2026, featuring three mornings of breathtaking flights and the beloved Saturday Night Glow, which lights up downtown Winthrop.
What, When & Where
- Dates: March 6–8, 2026
- Location: Winthrop, Washington — Launch field behind the Winthrop Inn and Abbycreek Inn on Highway 20
- Morning Flights: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (weather permitting)
- Night Glow: Saturday, March 7 · 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. · Riverside Avenue
The Winthrop Balloon Roundup offers free public viewing areas where spectators can walk among inflating balloons, take photos, and experience the serenity of flight up close.
Book A Ride And Fly In The Festival
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring over snow-dusted mountains at sunrise, now’s your chance.
Seattle Ballooning — the largest hot air balloon ride operator in the Pacific Northwest — is one of the official ride providers during the festival.
Seattle Ballooning offers both shared and private passenger flights throughout the weekend:
- Book early: Flights sell out months in advance
- Cost: Shared sunrise rides start at $375 per person
- Private flights: Available for small groups and couples (limited capacity)
- Reservations: seattleballooning.com/winthrop-balloon-festival
Flights lift off just after sunrise, offering 45- to 75-minute experiences with panoramic views of the Methow Valley, followed by a traditional post-flight celebration.
The Perfect Escape from Seattle’s Rain
Every March, while Seattle is soaked in gray skies and drizzle, Winthrop transforms into a snowy wonderland of color and crisp mountain air. The festival has become the ultimate winter escape from Seattle, offering sunshine, adventure, and an unforgettable weekend getaway.
Demand is sky-high:
- Every hotel room and Airbnb within 50 miles sells out months in advance
- Balloon rides are 100 percent booked each year
- Local restaurants and shops overflow with travelers chasing the perfect sunrise
If you’re planning to attend, book your lodging and flight early—by late January, nearly every room in the Methow Valley is spoken for.
Why It’s Ranked #1
The Winthrop Balloon Roundup is the only major winter balloon festival west of the Rockies. Its snow-blanketed valley, rugged mountains, and still mornings create perfect conditions for ballooning and photography alike.
Early morning launches turn the valley into a kaleidoscope of color, and the Saturday Night Glow transforms Riverside Avenue into a lantern-lit avenue of wonder. This blend of small-town charm and elite piloting has earned the festival its reputation as America’s top winter balloon event.
Notable Pilots Attending
- Eliav Cohen — World Hot Air Balloon Championship competitor and owner of Seattle Ballooning
- Amanda Brodbeck — Gold medalist, U.S. Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Competition
- Amy Gneiting — Bronze medalist, U.S. Women’s Nationals
- McKenna Secrist — Bronze medalist, U.S. Women’s Nationals
- Zack Griego — One of the top U.S. competitors under 30 years old
- Bob Romaneschi — Renowned hot air balloon builder and special-shape pilot
- Plus professional pilots from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia, Arizona, and Utah
These elite aviators bring precision flying, engineering expertise, and global competition experience—ensuring every flight is both breathtaking and safe.
Experience It or Miss Out
Whether you’re a photographer chasing that perfect shot, a couple seeking a bucket-list adventure, or simply ready to escape the Seattle rain, the Winthrop Balloon Roundup delivers magic you’ll never forget.
👉 Reserve your flight now: Limited tickets to fly available
