Ready for take off?
One special weekend every summer, the morning skies above Bend come alive with the entrancing rainbow colors of hot air balloons.
Join us for three days of family fun, including balloon launches, night glows, live music, and more. Come on out, bring your friends or family and make some great memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors who help us bring this unique and joyful event to our community all in support of COCC Foundation. And thank you to our community for your continued support of festivals and events in Central Oregon. We can’t wait to see you this summer!
Balloon launches are free to attend! Tickets are only needed for the Balloon Blast Race and the Night Glow portions of the event.
Bend Night Glow Celebration
COCC • JULY 22 • 4 -11PM
Bring the whole family down to the Night Glow for an evening of music, food and glow-in-the-dark balloons! Take the kids to the Balloon Blast race for a chance to stack up some points in our Kid’s Rock the Races series. Soak up the summer evening with live music, food trucks and browse our unique vendors at the marketplace. There is something for everyone!
Pack a blanket and spread out as you wait for the sky to darken so the balloons can begin their magical glow.
Check out everything happening at this year’s event below!
Balloon Blast Kid's Race
Head down early for one of Central Oregon’s favorites: a kids-only obstacle race course. The Balloon Blast combines obstacles with a colorful course, perfect for kids ages 3-10. The exciting obstacles are appropriate for all types of children with a wide range of skill levels to tackle. We encourage parents and guardians to come and cheer their little athletes on as they enjoy being part of a supportive, healthy and motivational community event!
COCC • FRIDAY, JULY 22
Race Start Times
Ages 3 to 4 — 4:00pm
Ages 5 to 7 — 4:10pm
Ages 8 to 10 — 4:20pm
About PacificSource Kids Rock the Races
Does your kid want to join in on the fun? Are you hoping to instill your love for running and the outdoors? Not only is this race series a chance for little ones to be a part of the “Big Kid” races, but it’s also a great way to teach children how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The races are non-competitive — everyone receives a finishers ribbon and a punch card to earn more prizes. Run multiple races, earn more prizes! Learn More >>>
Family Fun & Entertainment
Marketplace
COCC • JULY 22 • 5-11PM
Art, unique gifts and more await at our Marketplace! Find a fun gift, meet local favorites or just browse the makers, businesses and creators featured at this event.
Want to share your passion with the community? We are accepting applications for the 2022 Balloons Over Bend Marketplace now! Spread the word about your business, service or craft with thousands of festival goers.
Balloon Launches & Pilots
HIGH DESERT MIDDLE SCHOOL • FRIDAY, JULY 22 • SATURDAY, JULY 23 • SUNDAY, JULY 24 • SUNRISE
Get up early and watch the magic happen! Balloons will launch each day throughout the weekend starting just as the sun starts to rise. Don’t miss out on the chance to spot these giant balloons float through the Central Oregon sky. It’s free and fun for the whole family!
Ballooning is an exciting but unpredictable activity that is depends on ideal weather conditions. Launch times will vary! Please keep an eye out on social media pages as we approach the event for the most up-to-date info on balloon launches.
Want to learn more about ballooning? Get hands on experience with real pilots. Sign up to volunteer and join the 2022 crew!
Redmond Night Glow
LOCATION TBD • SATURDAY JULY 23 • TBD
Hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.
For the fourth year we are merging the Redmond Chamber with Balloons Over Bend to bring the night glow to Redmond!
This event will feature a few of Central Oregon’s favorite food trucks, breweries, live music and local vendors. At sundown, witness the picturesque hot air balloons as they illuminate the fairgrounds.
As the sun sets over Redmond, balloons are set up and inflated for all to see. It’s an opportunity to be up close and personal to these balloons. Sit back and watch the balloons light up the night sky.
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