Many visitors arrive before dawn to watch the launch field come alive as crews unload equipment and pilots prepare for the morning’s activities. Grab a cup of coffee, bundle up, and enjoy watching the excitement build as the sun begins to rise.

Ballooning is completely weather dependent. Each morning at 6:30 AM, pilots gather for the official pilot briefing, where the Balloonmeister carefully reviews weather conditions before making the day’s go/no-go decision. If conditions aren’t safe for flight, the balloons will remain on the ground. Safety always comes first!

Once a go decision is made, the launch field comes alive as crews begin inflating the balloons. Giant fans fill the envelopes with cold air before the burners are ignited, creating the unmistakable roar and glow of hot air ballooning as dozens of colorful balloons slowly rise from the field and stand tall against the morning sky.

As daylight spreads across the valley, colorful balloons begin lifting off one by one and drifting across the horizon, creating the iconic views that have made the Great Prosser Balloon Rally a beloved tradition for decades. Be sure to have your camera ready. This is a moment you won’t want to miss!

For about an hour, balloons drift wherever the wind takes them, floating above Prosser’s vineyards, orchards, farmland, and the Yakima River. Keep an eye out for a crowd-favorite Splash-n-Dash, where skilled pilots gracefully skim the river’s surface before continuing their journey.

Once the balloons land, chase crews help pack up equipment and transport pilots and passengers back to the launch site. Pilots then honor a long-standing ballooning tradition with a champagne or sparkling cider toast alongside their passengers.

The balloons may have landed, but the weekend is just getting started! Spend the rest of your day exploring the many events, shops, restaurants, and wineries Prosser has to offer, including:
• Prosser Farmers Market
• Harvest Festival
• Caren Mercer-Andreasen Street Painting Festival
• Local shopping, dining, wineries, and tasting rooms

Join us back at the Prosser Airport at 6:00 PM on Saturday evening for live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly fun. As darkness falls, tethered hot air balloons illuminate the night sky as pilots ignite their burners in coordinated displays, creating a breathtaking sea of color and light. Arrive early, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a memorable evening under the glow of the balloons.

All Great Prosser Balloon Rally balloon activities are weather dependent and subject to change.