Colorful hot air balloons will fill the sky over Boise during the 35th annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, taking place September 2 through September 6, 2026, at Ann Morrison Park.
Although the festival is held in Boise, it is one seasonal Treasure Valley event that is well worth the drive from Nampa. Visitors can walk among the balloons as they inflate, meet pilots and watch dozens of balloons lift into the morning sky.
The event also includes a special day for children, several morning launches and the popular Friday evening Nite Glow Spectacular.
Before heading to Boise, here is what you need to know about the 2026 schedule, arrival times, parking and what to bring.
Weather update for Wednesday: Festival organizers say rain may affect Wednesday morning’s tethered rides. Pilots will be at the park, but there is a strong possibility that the rides could be canceled. Check the official event page before leaving home.
Dates: Wednesday, September 2 through Sunday, September 6, 2026
Location: Ann Morrison Park, 1000 S. Americana Boulevard, Boise
Admission: Morning balloon events are free
Parking: Limited, with no event parking inside Ann Morrison Park on Friday
Public balloon rides: Not available
Official website: Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
All balloon inflations and flights depend on weather conditions. Wind, rain, smoke or other conditions can cause delays or cancellations, sometimes at the last minute.
7:00 a.m.: Balloons arrive on the launch field
Approximately 7:25 to 7:40 a.m.: Kid’s Day activities and tethered rides
Children can learn how hot air balloons operate and may have an opportunity to take a free tethered ride. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are dependent on weather.
A tethered ride does not travel across Boise. The balloon remains attached to the ground while rising a short distance into the air.
Best for: Families with children who want a closer balloon experience.
6:45 a.m.: Balloons arrive at the park
7:20 a.m.: First balloon launch
This is the first traditional morning flight of the festival. Thursday may be a good option for visitors who want to avoid some of the larger weekend crowds.
Best for: A quieter morning and the first full launch.
6:45 a.m.: Pilots arrive at the park
7:20 a.m.: Morning flight
4:00 p.m.: Inflatable Fun Zone opens
5:00 p.m.: Food, vendors, live music and Nite Glow activities begin
Approximately 8:45 p.m.: Nite Glow Spectacular
Friday offers two different festival experiences. Visitors can attend the morning launch and return in the evening for food, entertainment and the Nite Glow.
During the Nite Glow, tethered balloons remain on the ground while their burners illuminate the envelopes against the darkening sky.
The Inflatable Fun Zone requires a separate ticket. Advance admission is $20 and provides access from 4:00 to 8:45 p.m. Tickets are available through the official festival website.
Best for: The full festival atmosphere and the evening Nite Glow.
6:45 a.m.: Balloons begin arriving
7:20 a.m.: Morning flight
Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest mornings. Families can watch the balloons inflate and then take flight over Boise, provided weather conditions cooperate.
Best for: Families who cannot attend during the week.
5:15 a.m.: Final launch day begins
6:00 a.m.: Dawn Patrol and balloon inflation
7:20 a.m.: Final morning flight
Sunday begins much earlier than the other mornings. During Dawn Patrol, several balloons inflate and may launch before sunrise, creating one of the festival’s most memorable sights.
Best for: Serious balloon fans, photographers and anyone willing to set a very early alarm.
For the regular morning launches, plan to arrive by approximately 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. This gives you time to find parking, walk into the park and choose a viewing spot before the balloons begin inflating.
Arriving only a few minutes before the scheduled launch may mean missing much of the experience. Watching the balloons unfold and slowly fill with air is one of the most interesting parts of the morning.
For Sunday’s Great Launch, arrive closer to 5:15 a.m. if you want to see Dawn Patrol.
Friday’s Nite Glow attracts a large crowd. Consider arriving during the late afternoon, particularly if you plan to visit the Fun Zone, buy food or find a comfortable viewing location.
Parking may be the most important part of planning your visit.
Ann Morrison Park will be closed to through traffic from 5:00 to 10:00 a.m. each morning during the festival. Parking inside the park will be limited Wednesday through Sunday.
There will be no general event parking inside Ann Morrison Park on Friday, September 4. The park will be closed to traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the Nite Glow, and Crescent Rim will not provide festival parking.
Organizers recommend using a rideshare service or parking in a public garage or legal public parking area outside the park and walking or biking to the event.
Do not park in private business lots unless the property owner has specifically authorized festival parking. Those businesses may still be operating during the event.
Review the latest official parking information before leaving Nampa.
ADA-accessible parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For the Friday Nite Glow, ADA parking will be accessible from the Royal Street entrance. Additional overflow spaces are expected near the softball fields off West Ann Morrison Park Drive.
For the morning launches, marked ADA spaces are accessible from both the Americana Boulevard and Royal Street entrances.
Because festival operations can change traffic patterns, visitors needing accessible parking should check the official spectator information shortly before attending.
Boise mornings can feel chilly before sunrise, even when the afternoon is expected to be warm. Dress in layers that can be removed as the temperature rises.
The grass is also likely to be wet with morning dew. Waterproof shoes or boots can be especially helpful for children.
Consider bringing:
Lawn chairs are allowed, but remember that deflated balloons require a surprising amount of room as they fill with air. Be prepared to move if a pilot or crew member asks you to relocate.
The 2026 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic takes place Wednesday, September 2 through Sunday, September 6.
The festival is held at Ann Morrison Park, located at 1000 S. Americana Boulevard in Boise, Idaho.
The morning balloon events and general festival admission are free. The Inflatable Fun Zone during Friday’s Nite Glow requires a separate ticket.
Most morning flights are scheduled for approximately 7:20 a.m., but balloon inflation and other activities begin earlier. Visitors should generally arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m.
Sunday’s Great Launch begins earlier. Arrive around 5:15 a.m. if you want to see Dawn Patrol.
No. All balloon inflations and flights depend on wind, rain, visibility and other weather conditions. Activities may be delayed or canceled at the last minute.
The festival does not offer public hot air balloon flights. Children may take a free tethered ride during Kid’s Day on Wednesday. Rides are first come, first served and weather permitting.
The Nite Glow takes place Friday, September 4. Food, vendors and live music begin at 5:00 p.m., with the balloon glow expected at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Parking inside Ann Morrison Park is limited, and there will be no general event parking inside the park on Friday. Organizers recommend using a rideshare service or parking legally outside the park and walking or biking to the event.
Yes, but spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible parking is available from the Americana Boulevard and Royal Street entrances during morning events. Separate ADA parking arrangements are available for Friday’s Nite Glow.
Festival organizers strongly recommend leaving dogs and other pets at home. Balloon burners produce sounds that can frighten animals and may hurt their sensitive ears.
No. Drones are prohibited under FAA regulations. Visitors should also avoid stepping on balloon fabric or entering a balloon or basket without the pilot’s permission.
The best day depends on the experience you want:
All balloon activities are weather dependent, so consider having a backup day.
Yes. The festival offers a chance to watch colorful hot air balloons inflate and launch at close range, an experience that is difficult to find elsewhere in the Treasure Valley. The morning events are free, family-friendly and generally finish early enough to leave the rest of the day open.
Looking for more festivals and events that return each year? Visit our Seasonal Events Guide to discover annual traditions in and around Nampa.
