At dawn’s first whisper of light, a crowd of spectators gathers. The crisp air and the roar of burners pierce the early-morning stillness as a line of quiet giants slowly stretch and stand in their full glory. In a breathtaking moment of awe, they rise into a quiet, dreamlike ascent, their silhouettes drifting effortlessly toward the cloudless horizon. Later, as darkness falls, a spectacle known as “balloon glow” will take place, in which tethered balloons are lit with intense bursts of flame to create a kaleidoscope of color against the backdrop of the nighttime sky. Central Oregonians will have the opportunity to witness both of these scenes unfold during the annual Balloons Over Bend and Night Glow show, one of the best summer festivals near Bend.

The History of Hot Air Balloons

It’s a little-known fact that more than 300 years ago, a similar setting took place during what is considered the dawn of aviation. But this wasn’t the first sustained flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright, which would happen more than a century later. The advent of human flight actually occurred in 1783, when another set of brothers, the French-born Montgolfiers, successfully launched a manned balloon composed of paper-laced linen and royal blue silk over the Paris skyline, ignited by the heat of a basic straw and wool fire. A large crowd stood transfixed during those 20 minutes of wonder, curiosity and ingenuity. This moment sparked “balloon mania” across Europe in the 18th century—a cultural obsession with human flight and the desire to explore past natural boundaries that appealed to the fascination of both aristocrats and commoners.

The aviation industry advanced light-years in the centuries that followed, yet hot air ballooning continued to harness its simplest element—capturing rising heat. Although the earliest prototypes have been replaced with balloons made of nylon and other synthetic materials, propane burners, and advanced navigation tools have improved efficiency and safety, little else has changed. Even the effectiveness of the wicker basket endures from centuries ago, thanks to its shock-resistant material and natural ventilation.

The function of a balloon pilot, called an aeronaut, has undoubtedly evolved from performing precarious experiments to test the science of lift to enchanting today’s passengers with an immersive experience. The term aeronaut is literally translated to “air sailor,” based on the way a person navigates the wind and buoyancy of the skies instead of the seas.

Central Oregon’s Aeronauts

Each aeronaut has a personal story of how they got into ballooning and subsequently became part of a coterie of fewer than 10,000 pilots worldwide. For Drew Smith, a Sunriver native and owner of Cascade Balloon Company in Bend, it was because of his first passion. As the former owner of a skydiving company in Madras and a skydiver himself, he began piloting to take divers up for the rush of jumping from the balloon. “It’s a very niche thing—few pilots in the area were doing it,” explained Smith. “Local ballooning here is unique because it brings different communities together, bridging the gap between aviation and thrill seekers in such a fun and inclusive way.”

Like other regions, the Pacific Northwest has a tight-knit subculture that exists among aeronauts and their crews. “It draws in all sorts of people. But in Central Oregon, there’s about one degree of separation between us, and we have our favorite places to fly passengers,” shared Darren Kling, operator of Big Sky Balloons in Redmond.

Why Central Oregon Is Ideal for Ballooning

Thanks to its undeniably picturesque topography, aerial sightseeing is increasing in popularity here. The majestic ridgeline of the Cascade Range and the glowing canyon vistas of Smith Rock State Park offer spectacular panoramic views that rival those of Sedona, Napa Valley and even Glacier National Park, where Kling flew before coming to Oregon more than 20 years ago.

It is the draw toward the essence of the experience—a rare opportunity to become one with the elements rather than be cut off from them—that the ballooning community shares. “The perspective you get is much different than from within a plane, where you are looking out of a window,” Kling described. “In a balloon, you are immersed in 360-degree views along with the stillness of floating, and it is such an elemental experience.”

It turns out the fascination with seeing the natural world from a higher vantage point is as much physiological as it is sensory-driven. The feeling we experience during flight is the release of what researchers call “awe-triggers,” which interrupt our default processing and thinking patterns. This feeling offers a reset and allows us to feel a calmness and a deeper connection to the world. Quite literally, it changes the way the brain thinks. And because the way humans process sensation has remained unchanged, hot air ballooning has endured as a beloved and timeless tradition.

Overcoming the Fear of Heights

Still, effortlessly floating thousands of feet in the air is not for everyone. Dispelling fears about safety or about heights is common in the industry. “It’s natural to have a healthy fear of something like this. But 99.9% of the people I take up who have a fear of heights relax within the first five minutes,” said Kling. “The balloon travels at the same speed as the wind, so there is no resistance.

Most people have a fear of heights that arises when you look over an edge. In a balloon, it’s so expansive. You don’t get that relative feeling to the ground. And that makes it accessible—and magical—to just about everyone.” Taking photographs of Balloons Over Bend, photographer Cody Rheault shared the beauty of seeing this living art gallery rise: “And for a breath, all five lit at once with their immense, buoyant masses seemingly defying gravity for a brief photographic moment.”

Bend Hot Air Ballooning FAQ

Where can you see hot air balloons in Central Oregon?

One of the best opportunities is Balloons Over Bend. The annual summer event featuring sunrise launches and an evening Night Glow. Tethered balloons illuminate the night sky with synchronized bursts of flame. Several commercial operators also offer scenic flights throughout the region, weather permitting.

When is the best time to fly in a hot air balloon?

Hot air balloon flights typically take place shortly after sunrise, when winds are calmest and temperatures are cooler. These stable conditions provide the safest and smoothest flying experience.

Why is Central Oregon a popular place for hot air ballooning?

Central Oregon’s wide-open landscapes, favorable morning weather and dramatic scenery make it one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier destinations for ballooning.

Is hot air ballooning safe?

FAA-certified pilots fly modern hot air balloons equipped with advanced safety systems. Because weather plays a critical role in every flight, pilots only launch when conditions are safe.

More unique ways to enjoy summer in Bend and Central Oregon.