2023 Tigard Festival of Balloons

Photo courtesy of Tigard Festival of Balloons

Look up as hot air balloons take to the sky over Cook Park during the Tigard Festival of Balloons.

The festival is all about community. It provides fundraising opportunities for local nonprofit organizations while inviting the public to come together for a fun celebration.

In 2023, the event has a multitude of activities for everyone to enjoy.

The Tigard Festival of Balloons is June 23-25, 2023, at Cook Park in Tigard. While hot air balloons are the main attraction at the event, there’s also craft and vendor booths, food vendors, carnival rides and games, a beer garden, a car show, and live music.

Balloon Schedule

Each day of the festival, 20 hot air balloons launch into the morning sky. Morning launches take place from 5:45 to 6:15 a.m. Arrive early to avoid the rush and enjoy the marvelous morning experience. Gates open at 5 a.m.

Free tethered rides start following the morning launches from 6:30-7:30 a.m. Rides are first come, first served. Registration opens at 6:15 a.m. Keep in mind, you still need a general admission ticket to participate.

At sunset, the balloons light up the sky for the Night Glow around 9 p.m. It lasts about 30 minutes following sunset.

One important detail to keep in mind is the balloons do not float in the sky all day. Balloon launches are weather permitting.

Photo courtesy of Tigard Festival of Balloons

Schedule of Events

Here’s a daily rundown of what’s happening at the festival so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

Friday, June 23

5:45am – 6:15am: Hot Air Balloon Launches.
6:30am – 10am: Pancake Breakfast.
6:30am – 7:30am: Tethered Rides.
7:30am – 8:30am: Chamber Networking Event hosted by Tigard Chamber of Commerce.
10am – 11pm: Funtastic Carnival Fun Center.
12pm – 7pm: Kids Zone featuring Home Depot and a Hot Air Balloon Exhibit.
1pm – 11pm: Rogue Ales Beer Garden.
3pm – 11pm: Food, Craft Vendor and Commercial Exhibitor Booths.
3:30pm – 11pm: Main Stage Entertainment.
Sunset: NW Natural Night Glow.

Saturday, June 24

5:45am – 6:15am: Hot Air Balloon Launches.
6:30am – 10am: Pancake Breakfast.
6:30am – 7:30am: Tethered Rides.
8am & 8:30am: Balloon Festival 5k Fun Run.
10am – 11pm: Funtastic Carnival Fun Center.
11am – 7pm: Kids Zone featuring Home Depot and a Hot Air Balloon Exhibit.
11am – 11pm: Food, Craft Vendor and Commercial Exhibitor Booths.
11am – 11pm: Rogue Ales Beer Garden.
3:30pm – 11pm: Main Stage Entertainment.
Sunset: NW Natural Night Glow.

Sunday, June 25

5:45am – 6:15am: Hot Air Balloon Launches Begin.
6:30am – 10am: Pancake Breakfast.
6:30am – 7:30am: Tethered Rides.
10am – 5pm: Funtastic Carnival Fun Center.
10am – 3:30pm: Festival of Cars.
11am – 5pm: Rogue Ales Beer Garden.
11am – 5pm: Food, Craft Vendor and Commercial Exhibitor Booths.
3pm – 3:30pm: Festival of Cars Awards Ceremony.
5pm: Festival Closes.

Photo courtesy of Tigard Festival of Balloons

Tickets

In 2023, advance ticket purchase online is required. A 3-day weekend pass is available online for $15 per person, plus a $1.40 processing fee. This gets you unlimited access to the balloon festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Kids 6 and under attend for free.

Parking is available at the Tigard Swim Center for $15. Take a brief walk down the hill to the festival grounds or catch a shuttle for only $2 per person. Ages 5 and under ride free.

The Tigard Festival of Balloons is held at Cook Park, 17005 SW 92nd Ave. in Tigard. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.

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