Over the snow, it’s Winthrop Washington’s 26th annual Air Balloon Roundup up in the sky.
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. Check back here to learn if the balloons will launch each morning.
March 3-5, 2023
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 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 and various food and lodging options.
Presented by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce
The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce provides propane for the pilots and other expenses for this spectacular event to occur. Local memorabilia will be available at the launch site – cash or check.
Donate to the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.
Donate $100 or more to be listed as a sponsor.
Friday, March 3
Hot air balloons will inflate and launch.
Arrive around 6:45 am behind the Winthrop Inn (located on Hwy 20 at the south end of Winthrop, 960 Highway 20). The balloons begin inflating at 7:00 am. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9:00 am. Spectators are free and are welcome to come to the launch site.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend: Free Eventbrite RSVP
The pilots have requested no pets or smoking at this event to protect their balloons.
Please park at Methow Valley Thriftway. Do not park on the highway or at Ace Hardware.
Sip and Stroll – Wine Tasting Event
Back by popular demand! Peruse the boutiques of the downtown Winthrop Boardwalk as you sample local and foreign wines.
Event Details:
Purchase a pass in advance through Eventbrite for $20. Pick up your drink glass and wristband at the Friday morning balloon launch or at the Visitor Infomation Center between 10-3 pm when you present your proof of ID 21+. You will also receive six drink tickets, one for each participating wine-tasting business.
Visit the participating shops between 3 – 6 pm on Friday, March 3rd, to sip and sample delicious wine and cider. Visit the Iron Horse, 3 Bears Quilts, the French Quail, Purple Sage, the Winthrop Store, and Shotgun Nellies.
Saturday, March 4th
Balloon inflation and launching
Arrive around 6:45 am behind the Winthrop Inn (located on Hwy 20 at the south end of Winthrop, 960 Highway 20). The balloons begin inflating at 7:00 am. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9:00 am. Spectators are free and are welcome to come to the launch site.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend: Free Eventbrite RSVP
The pilots have requested no pets or smoking at this event.
Please park at Methow Valley Thriftway. Do not park on the highway or at Ace Hardware.
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Winthrop Kiwanis is raising money for Jamie’s Place at the Winthrop Barn Auditorium. $12 per person provides a delicious menu of pancakes with all the fixings, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, and coffee. Swing by the Winthrop Barn between 7 and 11 am for warm smiles and a good meal.
Balloon Night Glow
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 shops and specspectators’ faces. 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. This is a free public event that is not an event to be missed.
Night Glow Schedule:
-The streets close at four pm to clear space for the balloons. No cars may park at the north end of Riverside Avenue after four pm.
-The balloons will arrive around 5:30 pm to set up.
-The balloons begin to glow at sunset (5:50 pm) until around 6:30 pm.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend: Free Eventbrite RSVP
The pilots have requested no pets or smoking at this event.
Parking at the north end of Riverside Avenue will close at 4 pm for the glow to take place in the street.
The Balloon Glow, like the morning launches, is subject to the weather conditions.
Sunday, March 5
The final Roundup
Arrive around 6:45 am behind the Winthrop Inn (located on Hwy 20 at the south end of Winthrop, 960 Highway 20). The balloons will begin inflating around 7:00 am. The balloons generally stay up in the air until about 9:00 am. Spectators of all ages are free and welcome to the launch site.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend: Free Eventbrite RSVP
The pilots have requested no pets or smoking at this event.
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 6:45 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.
No pets allowed at the launch site, please.***
Book a Flight
Want to ride in a balloon? Contact Snohomish Balloon Ride, Balloon Depot, or Seattle Ballooning. If it looks like the event is full, send them an email to be connected with another participating balloon company. Flights tend to begin to fill up in November.
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.
Sponsors of this event include:
BALLOON DEPOT
GLASSWORKS OF WINTHROP
THREE FINGERED JACKS
RIVERIVERS EDGE RESORT
RIVER RUN INN & CABINS
MORNING GLORY BALLOON TOURS
SNOHOMISH BALLOON RIDE
Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.
