At sunrise, watch as dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky, creating a stunning spectacle.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Launches
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally takes place annually in late September in Prosser, Washington. Balloons, with pilots from multiple states, launch early in the morning from the Prosser Airport (weather permitting) and float over the lower Yakima Valley.
Arrive early to mingle and watch the balloons inflate. Don’t be surprised if a pilot asks you to assist them as they prepare for take off. Then witness the hot air balloons lift into the sky.
The morning flights are amazing to watch as the balloons “splash and dash” onto the surface of the Yakima River then rise back up on both sides of the bridge. Although no balloon rides are available for the general public, a Sunday morning balloon ride is awarded to a raffle winner.
Night Glow Show at Art Fiker Stadium in Prosser Washington
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally Night Glow Show is held Saturday evening at the Art Fiker Stadium in Prosser. Admission to the stadium and the stands is free, however there is a charge for seating inside the playing field nearer the balloons. The show starts when all the stadium lights are turned off and the colorful hot air balloons are illuminated internally by their hot air burners against the dark night sky.
Memorabilia is offered for sale by rally volunteers near the stadium’s front gate. Rally Caps, Rally T-shirts, Night Glow Sweatshirts, Rally pins, Night Glow pins, and more are available. Proceeds from the memorabilia help to defray the costs of the rally.
Don’t forget your camera!
Harvest Festival
In addition to ballooning, four blocks of downtown Prosser are blocked off to celebrate the fall season with a Harvest Festival. Visitors can browse a wide variety of handcrafted arts, crafts, photography, personal care products, live music, food vendors, and other goodies. At the same time, chalk artists from all over the Northwest display their talents with the annual Street Painting festival. It is a great weekend full of family activities.