Up in the sky, over the snow it’s Winthrop Washington’s Hot Air Balloon Roundup.
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 will actually be able to launch. Consider extending your stay to ensure being able to see the balloons. Check back here to learn if the balloons will launch each morning.
SCAM ALERT: There will be no fee for viewing this event. Please be aware of scams that may try to charge you.
March 4-6, 2022
The skies over Winthrop brighten with the brilliant colors of over a dozen hot air balloons. This 3-day Balloon Roundup is a photographer’s dream. An incredible visual display as the balloons fly over the old western town of Winthrop and with the snow-capped mountains of the North Cascades.
While many balloon festivals are held in the summertime, the Winthrop Balloon Roundup allows visitors to experience the Methow Valley’s world-class winter recreational pursuits of Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. Winthrop has activities for the whole family as well as large variety of food and lodging options.
Local memorabilia will be for sale at the launch site – cash or check only.
Friday, March 4
Hot air balloons will inflate and launch
7:00 a.m. behind the Winthrop Inn (located on Hwy 20 at the south end of Winthrop, 960 Highway 20 ). The balloons begin inflating at 7:00am. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9:00am. Spectators are free and are welcome to come to the launch site for photos.
Please park at Methow Valley Thriftway. Do not park on the highway or at Ace Hardware.
Sip and Stroll
The Winthrop Sip and Stroll is back! Walk among the downtown Winthrop Shopping boardwalk with a small sampler glass is your hand! This event was a real hoot in 2020 and we are so glad to host it again.
Order a souvenir sampler glass online in advance as your ticket to participate. Pick up your glass at the balloon launch site on Friday March 4th or at the Visitor Information Center between the hours of 10-5 pm.
Notice for participants ID must be checked for each individual participant at the time you pick up your souvenir glass.
Saturday, March 5
Balloon inflation and launching
7:00 a.m. at the Winthrop Inn. The balloons begin inflating at 7:00am. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9:00am. Spectators are free and are welcome to come to the launch site for photos.
Please park at Methow Valley Thriftway. Do not park on the highway or at Ace Hardware.
Balloon Glow
5-6 pm | Join us in downtown Winthrop to watch the balloons inflate. The fire from the balloons brightens up not only the balloons but also the street and the faces of the spectators, young and old alike. This is not an event to be missed. This is a free public event. Be aware of anyone who would try to charge you for attending this free event.
(The Balloon Glow, like the morning launches, is subject to the weather conditions.)
Sunday, March 6
The final Roundup
7:30 am at the Winthrop Inn: Balloon inflation and launching. The balloons begin inflating at 7:45 am. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9:00am. Spectators are free and are welcome to come to the launch site for photos.
Please park at Methow Valley Thriftway. Do not park on the highway or at Ace Hardware.
You can find lots of fun things to do while you’re in town:
***All events are weather permitting. Each morning at 6:45am the balloons will make the decision to fly or not based on current weather conditions. These weather conditions cannot be predicted in advance. Winthrop has its own micro-climate being at the base of the Cascades and often the current weather is much better than predicted.
Event is subject to state pandemic guidelines.
No pets allowed at the launch site please***
FLYING IN A BALLOON
Interested in booking a flight? Contact Snohomish Balloon Rides! If it looks like the event if full, send them an email to be connected with another participating balloon company. Flights tend to begin to fill up in November.
Sponsors of this event include:
GLASSWORKS OF WINTHROP, THREE FINGERED JACKS, RIVER’S EDGE RESORT, RIVER RUN INN & CABINS, MORNING GLORY BALLOON TOURS, SNOHOMISH BALLOON RIDE, and the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.
