Cover photo courtesy of Caleb Rath
By Tabitha Gregory
Balloon Tour Options:
- Idaho Balloon Adventures (Eagle, ID): 7 days/week in Sept. and Oct. Idahoballoonadventures.com
- Walla Walla Balloon Flights (Walla Walla, WA): Fri.-Sun.; Year-round; Accommodates special requests. Wallawallaballoonflights.com
- Seattle Ballooning (Walla Walla, WA): May-Oct. Up to 10 people in a party. Seattleballooning.com/walla-walla-hot-air-balloon-rides
- Okanagan Ballooning (Kelowna, BC) May-Oct. Okballooning.com
Great Spots to Watch Balloons from the Ground
The 36th annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally takes place Sept. 26-28, 2025, in Prosser, Wash. The local Chamber of Commerce executive director, Alex Steinbock, calls the Rally a fantastic spectator event, with a mass sunrise liftoff of up to 30 balloons. Steinbock says, “Watching the huge balloons take off from the ground is magical.”
During Saturday’s main event, pilots lower their crafts to the Yakima River, attempting to touch the surface. Steinbock’s tip: “Try to grab a spot on the bridge for a close-up view.” After sunset, attendees may view the tethered balloons, burners lighting up the nylon interiors, making a vivid spectacle. Typically, public balloon rides are not offered. Enjoy the town’s Harvest Festival, happening the same weekend. Prosserballoonrally.org
Winthrop Roundup, Mar. 6-8, 2026
Winthropwashington.com/event/balloon-roundup
Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, May 6-10, 2026
