Oregon Hot Air Balloon Festivals

Hot air balloon festivals are a delight to watch. Giant balloons lift upwards to paint the sky with colorful dots. These festivals are great summertime fun for families. This article will highlight a few of the festivals happening throughout Oregon this summer. Set your alarm clocks to the wee hours and get ready for adventure!

Festival of Balloons in Tigard
Where: Cook Park, Tigard, Oregon
When: June 24-26, 2011
Cost: $5 parking plus 3-day weekend pass for $7 onsite or $5 online (kids 6 and under are free)
Website: Yes

For folks in the Portland area, the annual Tigard balloon festival at Cook Park is an excellent opportunity to view hot air balloons . With over a dozen balloons, launches are scheduled to lift off starting each morning at 5:45 a.m., depending on weather. A balloon night glow is scheduled for both Friday, June 25^th and Saturday, June 26^th at dusk.

This festival includes many other fun activities including a carnival, classic car cruise-in, 6x6 soccer tournament, music stage, food and craft booths, beer tent and more.

Rogue Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally
Where: Behind Lithia Motors, Medford, Oregon
When: July 8-10, 2011
Cost: Free with tethered balloon rides $3 per person
Website: Yes

Set in southern Oregon, this annual festival fills the early morning skies with plenty of beautiful hot air balloons. Balloons are scheduled to launch each morning at 6:30 a.m., depending on weather. A balloon night glow is scheduled at dusk on Saturday, July 9.

Watch the balloons soar across the Rogue River Valley!

Balloons Over Bend Children's Festival
Where: Riverbend Park, Bend, Oregon
When: July 22-24, 2011
Cost: balloon watching is free but activities require 1-3 tickets each (50 cents/ticket)
Website: Yes

This annual event in Central Oregon has a slightly new name and a later date in a beautiful location! Balloons fill and lift with the Three Sisters and the Deschutes River scenic backgrounds. Take your family and book a weekend stay at one of the many hotels and motels in the Bend area.

Northwest Art & Air Festival
Where: Timber-Linn Park, Albany, Oregon
When: August 26-28, 2011
Cost: $5 to park on Friday and Saturday evenings
Website: Yes

Just a short drive south of Salem in the beautiful Willamette Valley , Albany plays host again this year to the Northwest Art & Air Festival. Featuring over 40 balloon launches each morning, this festival will add a colorful punch to your late summer plans. Balloons are scheduled to lift off approximately 6:45 a.m. each morning, but are dependent on weather conditions. A balloon night glow is scheduled for Friday evening, August 26, 2011 at dusk.

Other events at the Albany festival include art booths, a children's activity area, concerts, wine/microbrew garden, food booths , and Young Eagles flights and more.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Tips with Children
Since you need to wake up very early to watch the hot air balloons rise into the dawning day, you may find that a little preparation can go a long ways with the young ones. Prepare your children by dressing warmly, packing lots of snacks, and take along a picnic blanket or chairs for tired legs. Younger children may be startled by the loud sounds when the balloons are filled with hot air so you may want to stand back and approach gradually. Be sure to take your camera and capture those oohhs and aahhs!