The Winthrop Washington Balloon Festival, otherwise known as The 3-day Balloon Roundup, is sure to be a blast for anyone who loves the snow and hot air balloons. If you’re looking to get away for a romantic weekend and some winter fun in a small town, this event is not to be missed. Winthrop attracts two dozen balloonists

Schedule of Events:

February 28, 2025
Hot air balloon launch - 7:00 a.m.

At the Winthrop Inn, balloons will turn on their inflation fans. You’ll see the beautiful colors of the balloons come to life. The balloons float South down the valley and typically land close to the Winthrop Airport. The hot air balloon typically stay in the air for right around an hour to and hour and half. All the balloons typically land by 8:30am. It’s free to check out the event and you are welcome to come to the balloon launch site for photos.

Please park cars at the Methow Valley Thriftway across the street from the balloon launch field.

March 1st, 2025

Winthrop Balloon Glow
Winthrop Balloon Glow - 5:30-6:45 pm.

Head across the bridge into downtown Winthrop to watch the balloons inflate at dusk. It’s a really cool event that the whole family will enjoy. The fire from the balloons makes the multicolored fabric glow. You’ll want to come early for the Winthrop Balloon Glow as parking spots go quickly. This balloon glow is a free public and is weather permitting. Typically, 3-5 hot air balloons glow in this event in Downtown Winthrop. The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce hosts some additional activities the night of the glow called sip and stroll. Basically you can get some wine and check out the balloons! The highlight of the balloon glow is that Seattle Ballooning brings out the 12th modern-day balloon ever built. It’s from 1965. It’s pretty cool!

March 2rd, 2025

Winthrop Balloon Festival Schedule
Hot air balloon launch - 7:00 a.m.
At the Winthrop Inn, the hot air balloons will inflate and launch into the crisp air. The balloons begin inflating at 7:30 am and the balloons generally stay up in the air until about 8:30 am. It’s completely free to watch the balloons launch and take photos. If the weather isn’t good? The balloons won’t show up. Balloons can only fly in good weather. Feel free to check out our Facebook and google page where we will update

Date: February 28, 2025 - March 2, 2025

Location: The Winthrop Inn, 960 State Rte 20 Winthrop, WA 98862

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