Event Dates
From: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
To: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Spirit of Boise
Balloon Festival 2026
For five magical days each summer — usually over Labor Day weekend — Boise skies fill with fanciful balloons
Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival 2026
For five magical days each summer — usually over Labor Day weekend — Boise skies fill with fanciful balloons during the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival.
- Stay close to the gay bars and clubs of Boise at the Hilton Hotel Downtown, rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms and delicious breakfast buffet.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Wednesday 2nd September – Sunday 6th September, 2026
- Hosted annually at Ann Morrison Park, the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic brings together locals and tourists alike who enjoy being surrounded by endless colorful balloons, and inspiring music.
- All launches are weather-permitting, however they typically take place starting at 7:15 a.m. and last until as late as 9 a.m.
- You can frequently see the hot air balloons soaring over downtown Boise, with the occasional balloon falling on historic landmarks, including building rooftops, right in the middle of Broadway avenue, and even the front lawn at the Capitol building!
- With free tethered rides on select days, a chance to meet aeronauts each morning and one-of-a-kind night spectaculars, the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is truly an event you need to experience!
The Night Glow Event
- Next Edition: Friday 4th September 2026.
- The main event is Friday’s Night Glow performance.
- Starting at 6 p.m., the pilots will put on a nighttime light show for all ages.
The Full Program
- Wednesday 2 Sept 2026 – Kid’s Day
- Thursday 3 Sept 2026 – Media Day
- Friday 4 Sept 2026 – VIP Day + Nite Glow Spectacular
- Saturday 5 Sept 2026 – Morning Flight
- Sunday 6 Sept 2026 – Final launch day
The Venue
- The 153-acre Ann Morrison Park is at 1000 S. Americana Blvd. There's also an entrance off of West Royal Boulevard.
- The event also brings out vendors aplenty to the park, as well as plenty of food trucks offering delicious dishes.
- Live music acts will perform each evening.
- The park is a 6-minute drive from downtown Boise.
- Stay close to the park at the Hotel 43 Boise, rated “Fabulous” by guests, in a quite location, but close to all the bars downtown and just a short ride to the park.
Recommended Hotels in Boise
The following hotels are conveniently located near the park where the festival takes place:
Hampton Inn, Inn at 500 Capitol, The Grove Hotel, Hotel 43 Boise
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Where we stay!
The Hotel Boise 43 is our editors
choice when we are in Boise
Official Website
For further information and advice on
The Balloon Festival visit Facebook
Gay Map of BOISE
202 S 6th St, Boise, ID 83702
Home2 Suites By Hilton Boise Downtown features air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV in the Downtown Boise district of Boise. The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi.
981 West Grove Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
All rooms at Hotel 43 Boise are fitted with luxury bedding and features designer amenities and bathrobes in the en suite bathroom. Each one has a large work desk with an ergonomic chair and a 50” HD TV. There is a well-equipped fitness centre
245 South Capitol Boulevard, Boise, Idaho 83702
The Grove Hotel features a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge and a terrace, At the hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, The Grove Hotel also provides on-site ATM machine and a business centre
495 South Capitol Boulevard, Boise, Idaho 83702
While staying at the Boise-Downtown Hampton Inn and Suites guests can enjoy relaxing in the indoor pool, working out in the modern fitness centre or browsing the internet with free wireless access. The hotel also offers 24-hour business facilities.
Boise, Idaho 83702
Founder’s Home & Cottage offers a 6 bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, a fully equipped Kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, as well as a coffee machine. A living room with flat screen TV, a dinning room, and a garden with a barbecue
Boise, Idaho 83702
Casa Fina provides accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The holiday home features 4 bedrooms, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
1523 West Hays Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
Offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, free bikes and a garden, a private patio. The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a microwave, fridge, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
610 North 26th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio With free WiFi, this holiday home offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave. A garden & hot tub
3544 West Chinden Boulevard, Boise, Idaho 83714
The new gay bar in town gay owned and operated
offering regular shows, a stage and dance floor
Fun and friendly bar staff and customers well worth a visit
150 North 8th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702
Voted Boise Weekly’s Best Local Gay Dance Club for over 10 years running.
We have the hottest staff, DJ’s spinning the latest music & videos, amazing lights, open dance floor, and the most amazing customers in the world!
Recommended Hotels in Boise By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Boise that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Hampton Inn
3 Star – Central Location
- 3-Star, Indoor Pool, Modern Fitness Center
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Free wireless, business facilities
- Enjoy indoor relaxation, modern fitness amenities, & central Boise location for convenience.
Home2 Suites
3 Star Amazing Location
- 3-Star, Flat-Screen TV, Downtown District
- Close to the gay district
- Air-conditioned, free WiFi
- Downtown Boise location, indoor pool, & 24-hour services for a comfortable, connected stay.
The Grove Hotel
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4-Star, Restaurant, fully equipped Fitness Center
- Close to the gay district
- Indoor pool, hot tub
- Offers dining, fitness, & relaxation options, ideal for a luxurious stay in Boise.
Hotel 43 Boise
4 Star – Perfect Location
- 4-Star, Luxury Bedding, Designer Amenities
- Close to the gay district
- Ergonomic chair, HD TV
- Stay for the luxury bedding, designer amenities, & prime location in Boise.
Video Of Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival
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