Soaring Spirits: 40 Years of the Festival of Balloons in Tigard

Cook Park, nestled in the heart of the Greater Portland area, is a fantastic destination for running enthusiasts, offering scenic trails and a tranquil environment. This weekend, the park will be even more vibrant as it hosts the 40th annual Tigard Festival of Balloons. This event presents a perfect opportunity to explore Cook Park while enjoying a weekend packed with fun activities for the entire family.

Read all our Make a Day of It Features here!

The Dates:

The 40th annual Tigard Festival of Balloons is Friday, June 21- Sunday June 23. So, there’s no time to wait. You can check out a full schedule of the activities here and will include the following:

• Hot Air Balloon Launches 
• Pancake Breakfast
• Funtastic Carnival Fun Center
• Kids Zone Presented by Baskin Robbins Tigard & Lake Oswego

• Rogue Ales Beer Garden
• Food, Craft Vendor & Commercial Exhibitor Booths
• Main Stage Entertainment
• Festival of Cars
• NW Natural Night Glow 

The Running:

There is really only one thing to highlight here and that’s the Balloon Festival 5k, scheduled for Saturday morning.  Arrive early to witness the enchanting morning hot air balloon launches before participating in the race After the race, stick around for all the festivities. Your entry fee includes access to the festival on Saturday morning from 5am to 12pm. Additionally, 25% of each registration fee will be donated to Packed with Pride.

The Experience:

The Tigard Festival of Balloons is a beloved annual event that fills the sky with vibrant colors and the hearts of attendees with joy. Held in Cook Park, this festival is a fun time to kick off the first weekend of summer. The main attraction is the stunning hot air balloon launches, which paint the early morning and nighttime skies with an array of colors and patterns.

However, it’s more than just starting at hot air balloons. The festival offers a plethora of activities for the entire family. Do you like running? Join the 5k! Do you have kids who love carnivals? Check! Do you want some fun food, drink, and music? It has you covered!  You can also explore a variety of vendor stalls, offering everything from local crafts to delicious food.

Whether you’re enjoying the thrill of carnival rides, shopping at the vendor booths, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer weekend, creating memories that will last a lifetime.