Ready for take off?

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.

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 28 • 4 -10PM

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!

Full Schedule

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 28

Race Start Times

Ages 3 to 4 — 4:30pm

Ages 5 to 6 — 4:45pm

Ages 7 to 8 — 5:00pm

Ages 9 to 10 — 5:15pm

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 >>>

Live Music from 2022

Milo Matthews

5:30-6:30pm

Milo Matthews: 5:30-6:30pm

Milo Matthew demonstrates versatility unlike any other bassist. By using a drum pad, effects pedal, and a looping machine Milo can provide his own rhythm, bass line, keys and lead guitar turning him into an unstoppable one man show. Milo's styles range from Jazz to blues, rock, pop, funk and even folk. Milo performes his own origionals as well as as addig his unique flavor to 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's to the Present cover songs. It's very rare to see Milo play the same song the same way, which makes every performance fresh and new!!!

Soul'd Out

7-8:30pm

Soul'd Out: 7-8:30pm

Soul, R&B & funk are the influences of Soul'd Out. With over 30 years of professional playing & touring experience each: Dennis Morris (guitar,vocals), Steve Hartwell (keyboards, vocals), Rutledge Waterhouse (bass, vocals) & Bruce Klouda (drums, vocals.)

Marketplace

COCC • JULY 28 • 4-10PM

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 2023 Balloons Over Bend Marketplace now! Spread the word about your business, service or craft with thousands of festival goers.

Take a bite out of this apple!

The Cosmic Crisp Apple balloon returns to Bend! Watch this unique-shaped balloon float through the skies of Central Oregon and then sample the fruit itself at our Bend Night Glow!

2 Towns Ciderhouse will be providing samples of the fruit and two of their delicious ciders to attendees.

Balloon Launches & Pilots

R.E. Jewell Elementary School • FRIDAY, JULY 28 • SATURDAY, JULY 29 • SUNDAY, JULY 30 • 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 2023 crew!

Redmond Night Glow

SAM JOHNSON PARK • DATE TBD • 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.

Join us for a fun summer day in Sam Johnson Park as we kick off another year of Bacon, Brew & Balloons. Starting at 5pm with a beer garden, vendors, bounce houses and so much more!