Balloons Over Bend is an annual hot air balloon festival that paints the skies of Bend, Oregon, with vibrant colors every July. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Deschutes River, the area is renowned for its picturesque lakes, the majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains, numerous hiking trails, and ski resorts. Balloons over Bend offers three days of balloon launches and family-friendly activities. The festival features a night glow, live music, a marketplace, and much more.
Morning Launches
Each day of the festival offers the opportunity to witness the breathtaking ascensions, free for all to enjoy. Weather permitting, the morning launches occur at sunrise, with launch times estimated between 6:45 and 7 am. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, around 6:15 am, to secure a prime viewing spot as the balloons begin to take shape against the dawn sky.
For those seeking an even more unforgettable experience, tethered rides offer to ascend into the sky, floating among the clouds in the golden light of dawn. The launch site on Friday and Saturday is near R.E. Jewell Elementary School and at Tetherow Golf Resort on Sunday.
Night Glow Celebration
As dusk descends, the festival transitions into the Night Glow celebration at Central Oregon Community College. Illuminated by the gentle glow of tethered balloons, this evening affair takes place on Friday from 5 to 9 pm. Live music fills the air as families gather to enjoy delectable food and explore the marketplace, shopping for fun gifts and meeting local artisans. Please note that this event requires tickets. Youth admission is priced at $10 ($12.20 with fees), while adult admission is $12 ($14.33 with fees). E-tickets are available for easy access, with view or print options.
Family-Friendly Fun
One of the festival highlights is the Balloon Blast Kid's Race, which takes place on Friday from 6 pm to 6:45 pm. Registration for the event starts at 5 pm and is included with the purchase of your Night Glow ticket. The lively event combines colorful obstacles with a kid-friendly course. Children aged 3 to 10 can participate, showcasing their skills and earning points in the Kid's Rock the Races series. Meanwhile, parents can revel in the joy of seeing their little ones embrace the spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.
Live Music
Throughout the festival, live music sets the mood with performances from local artists. No Brass No Ammo, comprising nine members of the 234th Army Band, offers spirited renditions of traditional, jazz, and contemporary brass pieces, along with stirring marches and historical compositions. The Pop/Rock group of the 234th Army Band keeps the party going with family-friendly tunes spanning decades of popular music. Meanwhile, Foxhole, a seven-member country band, brings a mix of classic and modern country sounds to the stage.
Pilots
Behind the grace of the hot air balloons at Balloons Over Bend is the hard work of the pilots. Justin Wilkinson, a second-generation pilot, embodies a lifelong passion for ballooning. Robert Raper, founder of High Plains Drifter Hot Air Balloons, brings decades of experience and a fleet of five balloons to the event, showcasing his expertise in the skies above Oregon. Finally, Darren Kling, the Balloon Director with nearly 30 years of flying experience, offers scenic flights and manages corporate balloon programs. Together, these pilots elevate the Balloons Over Bend experience, ensuring safety, excitement, and unforgettable memories for all who attend.
