The 2022 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic will take to the skies over Ann Morrison Park this week for its 31st year flying over Boise.
This 31st annual Spirit of Boise event brings together locals and tourists alike to one of Boise’s final summer events. Families fill the park and enjoy being surrounded by endless colorful balloons and inspiring music by their favorite local radio stations playing in the background as the wind carries the hot air balloons away.
Fifty balloons will be launching over the course of the week, including special-shaped balloons of a sloth, tiger and rocket ship. The Spirit of Boise event is free and runs from Friday, August 31 through Sunday, September 4, 2022. All launches are weather-permitting, with most taking place between 7:15 and 9 a.m. 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!
Can’t make it to the park? Don’t worry, you can usually see the hot air balloons souring all around Downtown Boise flying high in the sky, with the occasional balloon landing on a historic Boise landmark, including building rooftops, on Broadway avenue, or even in front of the Capitol building!
Look to the sky this week, and instead of the sun, you might see the vibrant colors of hot air balloons floating above Boise. Although you’ll be able to see the balloons no matter where you are in the city, there are certainly some spots better than others for viewing. Here’s a list of some of the best spots to watch from:
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic 2022 Schedule:
Wednesday 8/31 – CapEd Credit Union Kids Day
6:45 a.m. | Balloons are on the launch field for Day 1
7:25 a.m. | “Cap Ed Kid’s Day” – Ann Morrison Park
The event kicks off with Kids Day! Balloons will be inflated on the field to give your kids an opportunity to learn about how they work and hop aboard a tethered hot air balloon ride. There are also a variety of fun activities throughout the park for children to enjoy before they head to school in the morning.
Thursday 9/1 – Media Day
6:30 a.m. | Balloons are at the Park
7:20 a.m. | OPTIONAL FLIGHT for “Media Day”
Everyone is welcome! This is a day for your favorite local media friends to ride over Boise and share their experience with you.
Friday 9/2 – VIP Day & Nite Glow Spectacular
6:10 a.m. | Pilots will be arriving in the Park
7:10 a.m. | Tribute launch in honor of Larry Gebert
7:20 a.m. | MANDATORY FLIGHT / Ann Morrison Park
5:30 p.m. | Nite Glow Activities Begin: Food, Vendors, and Live Music
8:05 p.m. | “Nite Glow Spectacular”
The event typically kicks off around 6:45 a.m., depending on the weather. And later in the day, take a seat in the evening and enjoy the main event as the hot air balloons perform a nighttime glow show! Balloons will be lit and fly above Boise in the night sky. Food, vendors and live music begin at 5:30 p.m. The first balloons rise into the sky at 8:05 p.m.
Saturday 9/3 – Dawn Patrol
5:30 a.m. | Pilots will be setting up for Dawn Patrol
6:00 a.m. | Dawn Patrol / Inflation / Launch
7:20 a.m. | MANDATORY FLIGHT / Ann Morrison Park
Kick off an early start to your Saturday morning by watching the hot air balloons take off. Even if you don’t make it to the park, try to be nearby where you can easily see the skies near downtown Boise. It really is a sight to see.
Sunday 9/4 – Last Dance
5:30 a.m. | Last launch day of the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
6:00 a.m. | Dawn Patrol / Inflation / Launch
7:20 a.m. | MANDATORY FLIGHT / Ann Morrison Park
This is the final flight and celebration for the 2022 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classics. Don’t miss this once-a-year event, with balloons casting off for the last time around 6 am to fill the horizon with artistic and bold colors.
Learn More about the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic:
Tips and Tricks for Visitors
Dress for morning weather
The mornings stay cooler, so be sure to wear clothes that will keep you warm until the sun begins to rise. Experienced balloon fans dress in layers so that they can shed a layer as needed. Speaking of dressing for the morning, the grass in the park is usually pretty wet with overnight dew right after sunrise, so you might want waterproof shoes for the smaller guys and gals in your family.
Take lots of pictures!
We can’t stress enough how cool this event is and how beautiful the sky is when it’s filled with hot air balloons. Grab your phone, camera, and friends! Looking for the perfect shot? Here’s a hint, closer is not always better.
*Please don’t presume to enter a balloon for a picture without first obtaining permission from the pilot or crew chief.
Bring something to sit on
Watching from a seat on the ground is fun too! The grass can be left dewy from the night before, be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Remember though, the balloon you see laying on the ground is going to grow nearly 20 times bigger when it’s filled with air. If a pilot or crew member asks you to move your chairs, please do so with a smile.
Leave your furry friend at home
We all love dogs, however the burners that power the balloons make a sound that is inaudible to humans, but when experienced up close by your pet, actually hurts their sensitive ears. It’s the same reason that dogs bark and cats, horses and cows beat feet the opposite direction when a balloon flies overhead. Please be thoughtful of your animals and leave your fur buddies at home.
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