The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Every fall in Boise, Idaho an unusual sight occurs: The sky is filled with balloons. But it is not just any balloons that fill the air above the City of Trees, it is hot air balloons. These balloons are part of the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. They launch from Ann Morrison Park several times over the course of a week in either August or September of every year, and they land all over the Treasure Valley, even once on the Idaho Capitol lawn.
This entire week-long event is very family friendly. Generally, the opening day of the festival is designated as Kids Day and usually falls on a Wednesday. On Kids Day, children can come learn about hot air balloons and get a free tethered ride. Tethered rides are not full launches, the balloons just lift a little above ground and then return.
Usually on the Friday of the festival, there is a Night Glow. People gather to see the hot air balloons light up against the dark background of the night. Then the festival closes on Sunday with one final balloon launch, weather permitting. So, in a usual year, the festival runs from Wednesday through Sunday, but that schedule may be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unlike much larger hot air balloon festivals across the country, at this festival you can actually get up close during the entire launch process — from inflating the balloons to them departing into the sky. And you can usually chat with the balloon crews and learn the names of the balloons and what events they have recently been to. The names of some of the hot air balloons that have been featured in the Spirit of Boise in recent years include: Whooz Up (a balloon that looks like an owl), Bud E Beaver (a balloon that looks like a beaver), Fan Dancer, Millennium Spirit, and Floating Awaysis.
This festival was first hosted in Boise in 1991. Although I grew up in the Boise area, I have only been to the Spirit of Boise twice: Once in 2018 and then again in 2019. In addition to the hot air balloons, there are also food and product vendors. Plus, there is plenty of free parking close by.
Although Boise is a very dog-friendly city, it is best to leave your dogs at home, as hot air balloons emit noises that are undetectable to the human ear but can be damaging to animal ears. You will also want to leave your drones at home, as the use of drones is prohibited in order to keep the air space clear for the hot air balloons to launch.
Further Reading: If you are looking for another unique adventure in the Boise area you should take some time to visit Cleo’s Ferry Museum and Nature Trail in Melba.
