6 Hot Air Balloon Festivals Near Boise You Can't Miss

Photo by Bryce Boehler

Introduction

If you’re in Boise, you already know that there’s a huge slew of outdoor recreation to enjoy. But you may not know about Boise’s incredible celebrations of hot air balloons.

From the iconic Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival to the picturesque Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Festival, each event offers a different, but always exciting, experience for attendees. 

Let’s explore these six must-see hot air balloon festivals near Boise.

Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival 2024

Dates: August 28 - September 1, 2024

Location: Ann Morrison Park, 1000 S. Americana Blvd

Price: FREE

Kicking off the list, we have Boise’s own festival! The Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival will be held from August 28 to September 1, 2024, at Ann Morrison Park.

This beloved local event offers a gorgeous view of vibrant hot air balloons against the backdrop of the Boise skyline. As one of the largest free hot air balloon festivals in the region, it attracts thousands of spectators each year. 

Aside from watching dozens of hot air balloons taking flight, attendees can also enjoy a host of activities, including tethered rides, live music, and tasty food vendors. 

With its breathtaking flights and lively ambiance, the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Teton Valley Balloon Rally

Dates: July 4-7, 2024

Location: PO Box 1201, Driggs, ID

Price: $20/vehicle containing up to (6) people; Walk-in and bike-in admission is $5/person

The Teton Valley Balloon Rally, scheduled from July 4 to July 7, 2024, in Driggs, Idaho, offers attendees a unique Independence Day celebration. 

For only $20 per vehicle or $5 per person for walk-ins and bike-ins, visitors can look on in amazement as beautiful, colorful balloons take to the skies. 

Aside from the gorgeous balloon displays, this rally also offers opportunities for visitors to meet and greet with pilots and even take balloon rides themselves (weather permitting, of course). 

With its striking setting and fun vibes, the Teton Valley Balloon Rally is an absolute must for folks seeking a memorable Fourth of July experience.

Photo by Ben Hoskyn

Festival of Balloons

Dates: June 21-23, 2024

Location: Cook Park ~ Tigard, Oregon

Price: 6 and under are free.| Ages 7+: $15 (+ fees)

We promise the Festival of Balloons is worth the short trip from Boise to Tigard, Oregon. 

Taking place from June 21 to June 23, 2024, at Cook Park, this event offers a great opportunity to witness the modern marvel of hot air flight. Admission is only $15 for adults and kids 6 and under can enter free.

Attendees can bask in the beautiful sight as hot air balloons soaring overhead, participate in family-friendly fun, and enjoy tasty food from local vendors and live entertainment. The Festival of Balloons promises a weekend filled with fun and amazement for attendees of all ages.

Northwest Art and Air Festival

Dates: Friday Aug 23, 2024 Saturday Aug 24, 2024

Location: Timber Linn Park- 900 Price Road SE, Albany, OR

Price: Free/Donations encourage

The Northwest Art and Air Festival, held on August 23 and 24, 2024, at Timber Linn Park in Albany, Oregon, is another local hot air balloon festival worth checking out.

With free admission (though donations are encouraged), this festival offers a little bit of something for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy live music, arts and crafts vendors, and tasty treat from local food vendors.

The Northwest Art and Air Festival is an excellent way to experience the magic of hot air balloons while celebrating art.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Festival

Dates: TBD

Location: 33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR 97071, USA

Price: Ticket info coming soon

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Festival in Woodburn, Oregon, is well worth the wait while we gather ticket info. 

Held among the gorgeous tulip fields, this festival offers hot air balloon enthusiasts a picturesque backdrop to enjoy the sights of hot air balloon flights. 

Aside from watching hot air balloons soar against the beautiful scenery, attendees can explore the festival grounds, enjoy the delicious food, and participate in family-friendly events. 

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Festival promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and balloon enthusiasts alike.

Photo by Diego F. Parra

Balloons Over Bend

Dates: July 26-28, 2024

Location: Central Oregon Community College, Bend, Oregon

Price: FREE

Balloons Over Bend is scheduled from July 26 to July 28, 2024, at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon.

This popular event offers a weekend packed with excitement and adventure featuring the breathtakingly scenic Cascade Mountains. 

As one of the premier balloon festivals in the Pacific Northwest, this event attracts balloonists from all over. Attendees can expect to watch incredible balloon launches, take bucket-list-worthy tethered rides for a bird's-eye view of Bend, and enjoy live music, delicious food, and art and crafts vendors. 

The best part? Admission is free!

Conclusion

Whether you stay in Boise for the popular (and free!) Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival 2024 or venture out to Oregon for the quirky Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Festival or the famous Balloons Over Bend, you won’t want to miss these hot air balloon events.

With so many weekends of balloon festivals available to you, you may as well check out a handful of these once-in-a-lifetime events showcasing one of the world’s most unique forms of flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Boise balloon festival?

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival 2024, Boise’s popular balloon festival, will be held at Ann Morrison Park from August 28 - September 1, 2024.

Is Spirit of Boise free?

Yes, The Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival offers free admission to all.

What is the most famous hot air balloon festival?

The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the most famous and the biggest hot air balloon festival in the US.

What is the hot air balloon capital of the United States?

Albuquerque, New Mexico is considered the hot air balloon capital of the United States.

Why are hot air balloon rides so expensive?

Hot air balloons require a special pilot’s license to fly and use a lot of fuel, and the fuel cost can fluctuate, leading to higher and ever-changing hot air balloon ride prices. For more info, read our breakdown on why are hot air balloon rides so expensive?