Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is Back May 2025
We can’t wait to make for the skies! Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is back for its 49th edition Thursday, May 8 – Sunday, May 11, 2025. Make your reservations and plan to visit Walla Walla for this free, family-friendly event at Howard Tietan Park. Plus scroll down to see what’s new during night glow this year!
Balloon Stampede Events
Kid’s Day: Thursday
Kid’s Day on Thursday, May 8, is a tethering event where kids can experience going up in the hot air balloons while staying within the safety of the park. Balloons will be inflated on the field to give children the opportunity to learn about how they work before taking a free, tethered ride. Start time is 5:45am. Yes, it’s early, but the kiddos will love it!
Kid’s Day is held in honor of Billy Blastvalve.
Fly Days: Friday – Sunday
The skies of Walla Walla will be a delight to behold throughout the remainder of the Balloon Stampede!
Balloons launch from Howard Tietan Park around 5:30-6am (weather permitting) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Get to the park to watch them launch, or simply keep your eyes to the skies each morning of the event.
Looking for the perfect place to watch balloons in the air?
Head to the Walla Walla Roastery in the Airport District for delicious coffee and pastry and a possible balloon sighting.
Or, plan an afternoon of wine tasting to capture delicious wines and epic views of colorful hot air balloons against the backdrop of gorgeous vineyards and the Blue Mountains beyond.
The spring is a beautiful time to explore Walla Walla by bike. Rent a ride at Allegro Cyclery and hit Walla Walla’s fantastic trails. You’re guaranteed a great view, even if you aren’t able to spot any hot air balloons during your ride.
Nite Glow Spectacular: Friday 5-9pm
On Friday night of Balloon Stampede Weekend, bundle up and head to Howard Tietan Park from 5:00-9:00pm (with balloons lighting around dusk, approximately 8:15pm) for the Nite Glow Spectacular.
Nite Glow will have your kiddos dancing under the Columbia REA’s “Touchstone Energy” hot air balloon followed by colorful balloons glowing in the night sky.
There aren’t words to describe this eye-popping experience, you just have to be there yourself!
MORE FOOD TRUCKS AT THIS YEAR’S NITE GLOW!
Grab a delicious food truck dinner or snack right there at the park before the show begins. Participating food trucks include:
Gray’s Wings & Things (chicken wings & fries); Kerry’s Trinidadian Cuisine (Trinidadian-inspired fusions); R&B BBQ (BBQ); Stay-A-Round Donuts (donuts & fruit hand pies); Tacos La Monarca (tacos, burritos, etc.); Where There’s Food Eat It (smash burgers, sandwiches); Whitman Acres (lemonade, beverages); and Vieyra’s Mac and More (mac N’ cheese)
ALSO AT NITE GLOW THIS YEAR:
Catch a free ride on a Valley Transit shuttle from the Downtown Walla Walla Transit Center (108 W. Main Street), so you don’t have to stress about parking for this popular night.
Come experience one of the Valley’s most popular, colorful, and photograph-worthy events!