Winthrop Washington’s 28th annual Air Balloon Roundup. Presented by our gold sponsor Casia Lodge, and Sun Mountain Lodge and Abbycreek Inn.

The skies over Winthrop brighten with the brilliant colors of 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 during your stay.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, March 1

Balloon inflation and launching

Arrive around 6:45 am behind The Winthrop Inn and Abbycreek 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.

Sip and Stroll – Wine Tasting Event

4:30-6:30pm, wine tasting and shopping event in downtown Winthrop, RSVP here.

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.

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.

Date: February 28 - March 2, 2025