One of Tigard’s most anticipated summer traditions is back! The Tigard Festival of Balloons returns June 26–28, 2026, at Cook Family Park for three days of hot air balloons, carnival fun, live entertainment, food, community celebration, and memories that last a lifetime.
Celebrating 42 years, this year’s Festival theme — “Growing Our Legacy” — reflects both the history of the event and the continued impact it has throughout the community. What began decades ago as a balloon event has grown into one of the region’s signature summer traditions, powered largely by volunteers, community partners, nonprofits, schools, service organizations, sponsors, and local businesses all working together.
The Festival will once again feature early morning hot air balloon launches presented by Explore Tualatin Valley, with balloons taking flight between approximately 5:45–6:15 a.m. each morning (weather and pilot permitting). Approximately 20 hot air balloons are expected throughout the weekend, participating in launches, tethered balloon experiences, static displays, and the crowd-favorite NW Natural Night Glow. Returning Friday and Saturday evening, Night Glow transforms the park into a colorful display of illuminated hot air balloons synchronized with music and remains one of the Festival’s most anticipated attractions.
Festival guests can also enjoy carnival rides by Funtastic, food vendors, artisan booths, the Stickmen Brewing beverage area, and the 5K Fun Run in partnership with Tigard Parks & Recreation.
The Main Stage, presented by Krista Britton Real Estate, will feature seven live concerts throughout the weekend, including performances by Dance Hall Days, AfterMarket, The Moe’s, Brian James Revival, Rachel Wong, Studio 99, and School of Rock. From classic favorites and dance hits to emerging local talent, the Festival’s entertainment lineup offers something for music fans of all ages.
The Festival of Cars presented by Landmark Ford returns with an impressive display of classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, custom vehicles, trucks, and specialty builds from across the Pacific Northwest. The showcase continues to be a favorite attraction for both serious car enthusiasts and families alike.
New for 2026, the Festival has partnered with the American Ballooning Community (ABC) to oversee balloon operations. Attendees can also take the experience to new heights this year by officially booking a hot air balloon flight through Portland Rose Balloons directly from the Festival website. Flight reservations are limited and expected to fill quickly. Pilot bios and balloon information can also be found on the TFOB website. Community members can still get involved as volunteers by crewing hot air balloons or assisting onsite.
“Year after year, the Tigard Festival of Balloons continues to create moments that bring families, friends, and the community together,” says Executive Director Cindy Murphy. “‘Growing Our Legacy’ reflects our commitment to honoring that tradition while continuing to grow the experience for future generations.”
As a nonprofit event, proceeds from the Festival help support local schools, youth programs, nonprofits, service clubs, and community organizations. Hundreds of volunteers help produce the event each year, with many groups raising valuable funds through onsite volunteer roles. Through those collective efforts, the Festival is proud to have given back more than $ 900,000 to the community over the years, supporting programs that benefit local youth and families.
The Festival values the longtime partnership and support of the City of Tigard and Tigard-Tualatin School District. The Festival also recognizes the many sponsors, community partners, nonprofits, and local businesses that continue to support this tradition. A full list of sponsors and partners can be found on the TFOB website.
For many families, the Tigard Festival of Balloons marks the official start of summer and is a tradition shared across generations. “We hear it all the time,” Murphy says. “‘I grew up coming to this event, and now I bring my kids.’ That’s what legacy means to us.”
Advance admission tickets are required for guests ages 7 and older and are available ONLINE ONLY through the Festival website. Children 6 and under are free. General admission is just $17 for a 3-day pass, giving attendees the opportunity to experience three morning balloon launches, two Night Glow performances (both weather and pilot permitting), seven live concerts, the Festival of Cars, artisan booths, food vendors, two Kids Zones, and more throughout the weekend. Because balloon activities are weather and pilot dependent, TFOB offers a single 3-day weekend pass, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the Festival and return throughout the weekend for multiple balloon launch and Night Glow opportunities. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to save time at the gate.
Parking in the official TFOB parking lot is optional and available for guests seeking the closest and most convenient Festival access. On-site parking is $15 per day. Guests may also utilize nearby street parking and pedestrian pathways into Cook Family Park. We kindly ask all attendees to park legally and respect neighborhood parking restrictions.
For schedules, tickets, balloon flight reservations, volunteer opportunities, and more, visit www.tigardballoon.org.
New This Year: Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight at TFOB!
For the first time ever, guests of the Tigard Festival of Balloons can officially book a hot air balloon flight experience during Festival weekend through Portland Rose Balloons — the Official Flight Experience Partner of TFOB.
What to Expect
Festival flights take place during the early morning balloon launches, typically between 5:45 – 6:15am, weather and pilot permitting. Guests will experience breathtaking sunrise views of the Willamette Valley, surrounding farmland, rivers, vineyards, and Cascade Mountain views, including Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.
Flights are operated by the experienced team at Portland Rose Balloons and typically last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather conditions and landing locations. Pilots and crew provide safety briefings, assist guests throughout the experience, and share information about hot air ballooning and the local area during the flight.
Tethered Rides vs. Balloon Flights
The Tigard Festival of Balloons will continue to offer free tethered balloon rides each morning during the Festival (weather and pilot permitting). Tethered rides provide a short up-and-down balloon experience while remaining secured to the ground.
Balloon flights booked through Portland Rose Balloons are separate from tethered rides and provide a full free-flight hot air balloon experience over the Willamette Valley.
Festival balloon flights are expected to sell out quickly!
To learn more, view pricing, or reserve your flight experience, visit: tigardballoon.org/take-a-hot-air-balloon-ride.
Tigard Festival of Balloons
When: June 26–28, 2026. Balloons take flight beginning at 5:45 a.m. each morning (weather and pilot permitting). Visit www.tigardballoon.org for a complete schedule of events.
Where: Cook Family Park.
17005 SW 92nd Ave, Tigard, OR 97224
Tickets: Advance ticket purchase required. Ages 7 and up: $17 total (valid all 3 days). Ages 6 and under: Free. Includes all applicable fees. No added charges at checkout. www.tigardballoon.org
Parking: Close, convenient parking is available at the festival general parking lot, located at the Tigard Swim Center entrance (8680 SW Durham Road). $15 per day
