The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic returns to Ann Morrison Park Wednesday, September 2nd through Sunday, September 6th, 2026 with five straight mornings of hot air balloons filling the sky over downtown Boise. It’s one of the area’s favorite and most photogenic events.

The event is free to attend (and you can see it in the air all over downtown). 2026 is the 35th anniversary of the event, now officially the Scott Spencer Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic in honor of its late founder.

Here is everything you need to know before you set that early morning alarm.

The first gathering of balloons at Ann Morrison Park happened in June 1991, as the Boise River Festival Hot Air Balloon Rally. It was put together by Steve Schmader, president of the International Festivals and Events Association, and event producer Scott Spencer.

When the Boise River Festival stopped running, Spencer teamed up with Kevin Godwin of Townsquare Media to keep the ballooning tradition alive on its own. In 2010, the event became the Spirit of Boise Balloon Rally, and it has grown into one of the most-anticipated things on the Boise calendar.

Spencer passed away in early 2020. The organizers still credit his imagination and energy for what the event became, and in 2026 his name is on the marquee — the 35th anniversary is being held as the Scott Spencer Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. There is also a tribute launch in his honor on Friday morning.

Micron comes on as the new presenting sponsor this year, which is a large part of why the event stays free for the community.

Everything happens at Ann Morrison Park. Launches are early. Balloons typically go up around 7:15 to 7:20 a.m. and stay in the air until as late as 9 a.m. Every flight is weather-dependent, so check the event’s social media the night before and in the morning if conditions look iffy.

Wednesday, September 2 — Kid’s Day

• 6:45 a.m. | Balloons arrive on the launch field for Day 1
• 7:25 a.m. | Kid’s Day activities begin

Balloons are inflated right on the field so kids can walk up, see how they work, and take a free tethered ride — meaning the balloon stays roped to the ground and goes straight up and back down. It is first come, first served, so get there early. Note that this is the only day tethered rides are offered, and there are no public balloon rides at any point during the event.

Thursday, September 3 — First Launch

• 6:30 a.m. | Balloons arrive at the park
• 7:20 a.m. | First Launch

The first full free flight of the week, when the balloons actually cut loose and drift over the city.

Friday, September 4 — Sponsor Day and the Nite Glow Spectacular

• 6:10 a.m. | Pilots begin arriving in the park
• 7:10 a.m. | Tribute launch honoring founder Scott Spencer
• 7:20 a.m. | Morning flight
• 4:00 p.m. | Inflatable Fun Zone opens
• 5:00 p.m. | Nite Glow activities begin — food, vendors and live music

Saturday, September 5 — Family Morning Launch

• 5:30 a.m. | Setup for the Family Morning Launch
• 6:00 a.m. | Family Morning Launch and inflation
• 7:20 a.m. | Morning flight

An earlier start than the weekday launches, with balloons inflating in the half-dark before the main flight.

Sunday, September 6 — The Great Launch

• 5:30 a.m. | Final launch day begins
• 6:00 a.m. | Dawn Patrol inflation and launch
• 7:20 a.m. | Morning flight

At Dawn Patrol, several balloons lift off before sunrise and glow against a still-dark sky.

See the official schedule of events here.

If you only make it to one thing all week, make it Friday night. The Nite Glow Spectacular is a local favorite when balloons inflate on the field after dark, and the pilots fire their burners in sequence. Evening activities start at 5 p.m., and the glow itself happens at dark, with the evening wrapping up around 8:45 p.m.

New for 2026 is the Inflatable Fun Zone, which opens at 4pm with inflatable slides, obstacle courses, trampolines, zip lines, interactive games, and a mechanical bull. Advance wristbands are $20 and are good for the day. It is built for adults as well as kids.

Get Inflatable Fun Zone tickets here.

This is the part that trips people up, and it is different on Friday than the rest of the week.

• Every morning, September 2–6: Ann Morrison Park is closed to through traffic from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the launches. Parking inside the park is limited for the whole event.
• Friday, September 4 (Nite Glow): There is no parking at Ann Morrison Park or Crescent Rim at all, and the park closes to traffic from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plan on parking outside the event and walking in.
• ADA parking is available off Ann Morrison Drive.
• The dog park stays open throughout the event, though its lot closes on Friday.

Organizers recommend rideshare, bikes, public transportation, or parking in a lot or garage outside the event and walking in.

See full parking information here.

• Arrive early. Launches happen at sunrise. Being there by 6:30 a.m. gets you a good spot and gets you ahead of the traffic.
• Dress in layers. Early September mornings in Boise get properly cold before the sun clears the foothills, and it warms up fast afterward. Bring a blanket if you plan to sit on the grass.
• Bring a camera. The best light of the day is the twenty minutes right after the balloons inflate.
• Walk or rideshare on Friday. Parking at the park is closed for the Nite Glow, no exceptions.
• Kid’s Day is Wednesday only. If free tethered rides are the reason you are going, that is the morning, and it is first come, first served.
• Leave pets at home. The sound of the propane burners is loud and startling for animals.
• Bring water and snacks. Vendors are on site for the Friday evening event, but the morning launches are pretty bare-bones.
• Check the weather first. Every flight is weather-dependent, and calls are sometimes made at the last minute. Safety comes first, and a canceled launch is not unusual.

Thirty-five years in, the Balloon Classic is still one of the few Boise traditions that costs nothing, works for every age, and looks unlike anything else all year. Set the alarm.

Learn more about the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic here.