Ultimate Guide to the Great Prosser Balloon Rally: What You Need to Know
Every September, the small town of Prosser in Washington State turns into a kaleidoscope of color as 20-plus hot air balloons ascend into the sky during the Prosser Balloon Festival or otherwise known as The Great Prosser Balloon Rally. This 3-day hot air balloon festival has become an annual event, drawing visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With stunning hot air balloons, captivating art, and small-town charm, this celebrated event is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re drawn to the incredible spectacle of hot air balloons in flight or the local cultural offerings, there’s something magical here for everyone. And the best part? You can fly in a hot air balloon (click to book your flight) yourself with Seattle Ballooning for the ultimate, bucket-list-worthy adventure.
Although the balloon festival started in 1988, it is thriving! In 2025, the Great Prosser Balloon Rally takes place from Friday, September 26th to Sunday, September 28th, marking yet another year of this spectacular tradition. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing this amazing event, from the sunrise balloon launches to the vibrant Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival, and everything in between.
The Beauty of the Balloon Launches
The heart of the Great Prosser Balloon Rally lies at the Prosser Washington Airport, where each morning at dawn, you’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise balloon launches. As the sky begins to glow with the first light of day, beautiful balloons of every color and design slowly come to life, inflating to their full size, ready to take flight. The sight of these majestic balloons, gently rising into the sky against the backdrop of rolling hills and the Yakima River, is truly awe-inspiring.
Balloon crews and hot air balloon pilots work meticulously on the airport launch field, preparing their balloons with care, and it’s an experience in itself to watch the preparation. As the balloon’s burners fire up, the fabric expands, and these once-flat pieces of cloth become giant balloons, ready to soar. Each balloon is unique, and the atmosphere at Prosser Washington Airport is charged with excitement and anticipation.
Whether you’re a spectator on the ground or, even better, one of the lucky few to be in a balloon basket, the feeling of seeing these colorful balloons in flight is nothing short of magical. For those on the ground, the best views are from the festival grounds, or even the serene banks of the Yakima River, where the balloons’ reflections create mesmerizing images in the water below.
The Best Way to Experience the Rally: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
While watching the balloons from the ground is enchanting, nothing compares to experiencing the rally from the sky itself. A hot air balloon ride over Prosser offers a perspective like no other, floating silently above vineyards, hills, and the meandering Yakima River. As you rise from a location just a mile North of the airfield (where the private balloonists launch on the airport launch field), you’ll leave the ground behind, the world opens up beneath you in a stunning panorama. You’ll fly directly over the private balloons inflating and head toward the Yakima River for a possible splash and dash!
Seattle Ballooning, the largest balloon company in the Northwest, and one of the few companies offering commercial balloon flights at the event, provides an opportunity to see the rally as it was meant to be seen—from the air. With experienced balloon pilots guiding the flight, you’ll drift alongside other majestic balloons, soaring over the festival below and capturing the very essence of the event. For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the rally, a hot air balloon ride is the most exhilarating way to do it.
Kayaking on the Yakima River: A Unique Way to Enjoy the Rally
Want to stay on the ground? Try the water. For an unforgettable perspective of the Great Prosser Balloon Rally, consider bringing a kayak and spending some time on the Yakima River while the hot air balloons soar above. As you paddle through the calm waters, you’ll have a front-row seat to the balloons in flight, with their reflections shimmering in the river, creating a truly serene and magical experience. One of the highlights for both spectators and pilots is the opportunity for a “splash and dash,” where the balloons descend gently to touch the surface of the river before lifting off again. However, if you’re on the water, it’s important to leave plenty of room for the hot air balloons to come down to the river. If kayakers or boats block the space, the balloon pilots won’t have enough room to perform this delicate maneuver. So, while you enjoy the breathtaking view from the water, be mindful of giving the balloons enough space to perform this exciting part of the flight. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to immerse yourself in the rally while being part of the adventure!
Take to the Skies: Helicopter Tours
If you’re looking for another thrilling way to experience the festival, consider taking a helicopter tour. These short flights, lasting 3-5 minutes, offer a unique view of the hot air balloons from above. Helicopters take off from the Prosser Washington Airport, giving you a quick but exhilarating adventure around the area or flying near the balloons themselves. It’s a fantastic way to capture more of the festival weekend and see the balloons from a completely different vantage point.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips for the Great Prosser Balloon Rally
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally offers endless opportunities for stunning photography, whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur. You can take incredible shots from several locations. On the festival grounds, you’ll have the chance to get up close to the inflated balloons, capturing the intricate designs and the process of lift-off. For a more serene and unique view, take your camera out on a kayak to the Yakima River and snap photos of the balloons in flight with the water’s reflection enhancing the beauty of the scene.
But the best photography opportunity by far is capturing the balloons from the air, and you can only do that on a commercial hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning. From the sky, you’ll be surrounded by a colorful array of hot air balloons, and your photos will showcase the breathtaking sight of the majestic balloons floating in perfect harmony with the landscape below. Whether from the ground, water, or air, the rally provides endless bucket-list-worthy adventure for photographers.
Beyond Prosser: Other Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Washington State
If you love the excitement of balloon festivals, Washington State offers even more to explore beyond Prosser. The Winthrop Balloon Festival, held the first weekend in March from February 28th to March 2nd, 2025, is an incredible winter spectacle. Imagine hot air balloons floating over snow-covered landscapes in the Methow Valley, making for a completely different but equally beautiful experience.
And if you’re looking for more springtime adventures, the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede takes place each year on Mother’s Day weekend in Walla Walla. This colorful event pairs the beauty of balloons with Walla Walla’s world-renowned wine country, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable weekend.
To make the most of these events, consider purchasing the Seattle Ballooning Festival Pass, which allows you to fly in all three of Washington’s incredible balloon festivals—Prosser, Winthrop, and Walla Walla. It’s the best gift for adventure lovers and a way to experience the beauty of hot air balloon flights all year round.
Events Beyond the Balloons: Art, Music, and More
While the hot air balloon launches are the centerpiece of the weekend, the Great Prosser Balloon Rally is more than just a hot air balloon festival. The town of Prosser comes alive with a variety of activities that will delight visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival, where artists transform the streets into an enchanting canvas with vibrant chalk drawings. Wandering along Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street, you’ll be amazed by the incredible street art, each square of pavement a miniature masterpiece. From whimsical designs to complex portraits, the street art adds another layer of color to an already vibrant weekend.
For those who love local flavor, don’t miss the farmers market during the festival. Here, you can sample fresh produce, local wine, and of course, festival favorites like Mexican street corn ribs, slathered in street corn seasoned lime-butter. The market, set against the backdrop of the festival grounds, offers a chance to engage with local vendors and enjoy the town’s small-town charm.
In the evenings, the magic continues at Art Fiker Stadium, where the mesmerizing balloon glow lights up the night sky. During this night glow event, the inflated balloons are tethered to the ground and illuminated from within, creating a stunning sight of glowing orbs against the dark sky. The soft hum of burners igniting the flames inside the balloons, coupled with the excited chatter of the crowd, makes for a truly awe-inducing sight. It’s one of those moments where you feel a sense of childlike wonder, and it’s a perfect end to a day filled with adventure.
Discovering Prosser: Local Attractions to Explore
While the rally is the star of the weekend, Prosser itself is a town worth exploring. Nestled along the Yakima River, this quaint community offers more than just the balloon rally. When you’re not at the festival grounds, take a walk along Nunn Road, where you’ll find quiet streets that lead to local wineries and charming shops.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit Prosser High School, where local artists often showcase their work during the festival weekend. The town’s deep connection to art and creativity is on full display, and it adds another dimension to the overall experience.
For a bit of adventure, consider visiting nearby Walla Walla, known for its rolling hills and world-class wineries. It’s a short drive from Prosser and offers a great day trip for those looking to extend their festival weekend.
Pro Tips for Enjoying the Great Prosser Balloon Rally
If you’re planning to attend the rally, here are some essential tips to make your visit even better:
- Arrive Early for the Sunrise Launches: The hot air balloon launches at dawn are the most spectacular part of the festival. Arriving early gives you the best chance to watch the balloon crews and hot air balloon pilots preparing the inflated balloons. You’ll have plenty of time to find the perfect spot to watch the beautiful balloons take flight.
- Dress for the Weather: September mornings in Washington can be cool, so bring layers. While the days warm up, you’ll want to stay cozy as you watch the sunrise launches at the Prosser Airport.
- Bring Your Camera: The mesmerizing photos you’ll capture during the event are sure to be keepsakes. From the balloons reflecting in the Yakima River to the magical glow of the night glow event, the opportunities for photographic images are endless.
- Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart: With so much to see and do, it’s easy to forget to eat or drink. Be sure to sample the local flavors, including the Mexican street corn, and stay hydrated as you explore the festival.
- Book Your Balloon Ride in Advance: The hot air balloon rides with Seattle Ballooning are popular, and spots fill up quickly. Book your flight early to secure your chance to experience the rally from the air.
Getting There and Staying in Prosser
Prosser is located in Washington’s wine country, making it a convenient drive from nearby cities like Seattle and Spokane. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, just 30 minutes from the festival. Once in town, the festival grounds and balloon launch areas are easily accessible, with plenty of parking available near the Prosser Airport.
For accommodations, be sure to book early. The festival attracts a crowd, and local inns and bed-and-breakfasts fill up quickly. If you’re looking for more options, consider staying in nearby Pasco or the Tri-Cities, which offers a range of lodging options and is just a short drive away.
Final Thoughts
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is more than just an amazing event—it’s a weekend full of wonder, adventure, and stunning sights. From the beauty of the hot air balloons rising over the town to the vibrant art on the streets, this picturesque event offers something for everyone. Whether you’re standing on the ground watching the balloons float into the sky or flying high with Seattle Ballooning, the rally is a chance to experience something truly magical.
So mark your calendar for this free, family-friendly event and prepare for a weekend filled with color, art, and the unforgettable sight of balloons in flight. And for the ultimate experience, don’t forget to secure your spot on a hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning—it’s the perfect way to see the rally from the best vantage point, up in the sky.
