Every year in October, if the weather is predicted to be nice, Walla Walla hosts a balloon stampede. A local's favorite family activity, the stampede is enjoyable for kids and adults of all ages. From infants to the very elderly—all have fun. Unique to the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, visitors can walk right up to the balloons, talk to the pilots, and closely watch how the balloons are inflated. Some of the crews will actually let people help them with the inflation. Balloon rides are also available for a fee by reservation in advance.
The balloons take off from Howard-Tietan Park. There is plenty of street parking in this area of Walla Walla. The park is on the corner of Howard Street and Tietan Street in Walla Walla. It is an open, grassy space with plenty of trees and a small play area for the kids. Inflation starts at sunrise each morning, and they sometimes fly again at 4 p.m. each day. The afternoon flight is often cancelled due to wind; morning is your best bet.
Be sure to bundle up. It is very chilly in the mornings in Walla Walla in October.
The balloons fly whichever direction the wind is blowing, usually over Eastgate and to the airport north of town. They have occasionally flown in all the other directions, so be prepared to chase the balloons. You never know where they are going to land!
Be sure to check the weather before going. It cannot be raining, and the wind must be less than 5 miles per hour for the balloons to fly. Visit the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede for more information and reservations. The website is regularly updated with more information as the date nears.
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