The Northwest Art & Air Festival is already one of Albany’s most anticipated summer traditions, but the 2026 event is offering an incredible new way to experience the magic. Festival organizers have officially partnered with Portland Rose Balloons to offer public, paid hot air balloon rides during the festival weekend.
While watching the morning balloon launches from Timber-Linn Memorial Park has always been a spectacular community tradition, this gives residents and visitors a rare opportunity to step inside the basket and join the mass ascension fleet.
The Flight Experience
The Festival Sunrise Flight offers a complete 2.5- to 3-hour experience, including 45 minutes to an hour of actual flight time. Passengers check in just after sunrise at 6:00 a.m. to watch the early morning balloon inflation process before lifting off alongside dozens of colorful balloons.
The state-of-the-art baskets are compartmentalized for safety and comfort, accommodating small groups of 8 to 12 people. It provides a serene yet social atmosphere where you can share the excitement with fellow passengers. During the flight, your pilot will guide you through the skies, pointing out the amazing features of the Albany Festival, the surrounding community, Mary’s Peak, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Hood, and the scenic Willamette Valley.
To round out the traditional morning, every ticket includes a morning parking pass for the festival and a post-flight champagne toast (with orange juice available).
Pricing and Age Guidelines
The flights are open to both adults and families with children:
- Adults (Ages 13 & over): $275.00
- Children (Under 12): $250.00
How to Book Your Spot
Because hot air balloon flights have strict passenger limits and rely entirely on precise morning weather windows, availability for the festival weekend is extremely limited.
Reservations are handled directly online. Interested flyers can view real-time calendar availability for the festival weekend and secure their spots by visiting the official booking page at portlandroseballoons.com/festivals.
