The fall foliage in the Walla Walla Valley is stunning, and of course, the thriving food and wine scene is enough to tempt anyone to visit. But for decades, there’s been another reason to check out this charming little city in mid-October. The Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is a time-honored tradition, and this year promises to be better than ever.

The Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is a five day affair that always kicks off in mid-October.
EvinDC / Flickr
This year's dates are October 16 - 20.
The festival got its start in 1974, making it the third oldest hot air balloon event in the country.
Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook
But rest assured, this festival keeps growing and improving. In fact, it gets better every year.
The initial festival had just four hot air balloons.
Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook
These days, you'll find over 30 balloons there.

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In recent years, the festival has added a night launch, known as the Nite Glow Spectacular.
Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook
This year's Nite Glow Spectacular will be on Friday, October 18.
Other events include a kids' day (Wednesday) where children are welcome to come check out the balloons, and a Mayor’s Cup Launch, where pilots are required to fly away from the launch site and return to where they took off.
Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Facebook
Balloon flights are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning at 7:15 a.m., so you'll have to wake up bright and early to see them.
This year, some lucky festival guests will even be able to take balloon rides.
EvinDC / Flickr
Usually, only sponsors and members of the media can ride in the balloons. But this year, Spencer Air will be offering rides on a very limited, first-come first-served basis. So if you're interested, you'll want to arrive early.
While you can spot these brilliant balloons all over town, they'll be launching from Howard Tietan Park.
Isha Zubeidi / Flickr
If you venture to the park each morning, you'll get an up-close-and-personal look at how a balloon launch works.

Have you ever been to this balloon festival? It’s a great reason to spend time in the delightful little city of Walla Walla.

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616 E Tietan St, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA