Winthrop Balloon Roundup
Winthrop Washington’s 29th annual Air Balloon Roundup!
The skies over Winthrop brighten with the brilliant colors of hot air balloons. This 3-day Hot Air Balloon Roundup is an incredible sight to see. Watch as hot air balloons fly over the old western town of Winthrop framed by the snow-capped mountains of the North Cascades.
VIEWING THE BALLOONS: The balloons are scheduled to launch during each of the three mornings of this event, but the weather will determine if the balloons can launch. Consider extending your stay to ensure being able to see the balloons take flight. Arrive around 6:45am behind The Winthrop Inn and Abbycreek Inn (located on Hwy 20 at the south end of Winthrop, 960/1006 Highway 20). The balloons begin inflating for launch at 7:00am and generally stay up in the air until about 9:00am.
Fly in a Hot Air Balloon:Â Book a flight with one of the commercial hot air balloon operators. Prices range from $350-$400. All offer easy online booking – rides fill fast so book now!Â
Friday, March 6th:
– Hot air balloons launch around 7am.
– Pilot’s Lift Off Party: 6:00pm-10pm at Sun Mountain Lodge. Book your reservations for the prime rib dinner special HERE
Saturday, March 7th:
– Hot air balloons launch around 7am.
– Pancake Breakfast: 7am-11am at the Winthrop Barn hosted by Winthrop Kiwanis. There will be a raffle fundraiser for a balloon ride donated by Snohomish Balloon Ride to raise resources for the ongoing programs that Winthrop Kiwanis offers for local children, including scholarships, hearing screenings, and more.
– Sip & Shop: 4:30pm-6:30pm wine tasting and shopping specials in downtown Winthrop.
– Balloon Night Glow: 5:30pm-7pm Light up your night when the balloons inflate along downtown Riverside Ave. The balloons will inflate but not take off, causing the fire from the balloons to light up the town. This is not an event to be missed. This is a free public event. We recommend parking at the Winthrop Barn Auditorium or the Town Trailhead and walking to the event.
Sunday, March 8th:
–Â Hot air balloons launch around 7am.
This event is free and all are welcome to come to the launch site. RSVP HERE
The pilots have requested no pets or smoking at this event.
To watch the balloons launch, please park at Methow Valley Thriftway. Do not park on the highway or at Ace Hardware.
***All events are weather permitting. Each morning at 6:45 am, the balloons decide whether to fly based on current weather conditions. These weather conditions cannot be predicted in advance. Winthrop has its own micro-climate at the base of the Cascades, and the current weather is often much better than expected.
Are you interested in bringing a balloon to our event? Commercial pilots, as well as sports balloonists, are welcome. Please get in touch with Snohomish Balloon Ride.
Presented by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, Town of Winthrop and Okanogan County LTAC funds.
The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce provides propane for the pilots and other expenses for this spectacular event to occur.
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