When asking yourself about something to do near me in Tigard with a group of friends or family, consider
Festival Of Balloons
Why Festival Of Balloons is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Festival Of Balloons in Tigard is a vibrant, family-friendly event organized by a dedicated non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It offers a unique experience where families and friends can come together to enjoy the spectacle of colorful hot air balloons alongside community festivities. This event stands out due to its strong commitment to community support, raising funds for various local non-profits through its activities. The festival features morning balloon launches, where attendees can witness the breathtaking sight of balloons ascending into the sky, creating a picture-perfect setting for memorable moments. Moreover, the Festival Of Balloons provides various opportunities for businesses and individuals to get involved as community partners or sponsors, adding an element of community spirit and collaboration. The event also boasts a well-managed setup that ensures a high-quality experience for all visitors, including options for VIP hospitality and balloon rides for sponsors' clients and staff. Its focus on fostering community engagement and providing family-oriented entertainment makes Festival Of Balloons in Tigard an excellent place to meet up with friends and enjoy a festive atmosphere together.
Here's what people think of Festival Of Balloons
As of recent, Festival Of Balloons holds a 3.2-star rating based on 104 reviews.
Based on the rating of 3.2 from 104 reviews, the Festival Of Balloons appears to have a mixed reception from attendees. Positive reviews often highlight the festival's vibrant atmosphere, the impressive visual spectacle of balloon launches, and the strong sense of community involvement. People appreciate the family-friendly environment and the opportunity to support local non-profit causes, which adds meaningful value to their experience. In particular, attendees seem to enjoy the interactive aspects such as balloon rides and the variety of partnership activities that create engaging moments beyond just watching the balloons. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to organizational challenges such as overcrowding, limited parking, or scheduling issues that can detract from the overall enjoyment. A few attendees have mentioned that certain logistical details could be improved to enhance the visitor experience. Despite these criticisms, the festival's commitment to community partnerships and fundraising for local organizations remains a strong positive element. Overall, the reviews suggest that while there are areas for improvement, the Festival Of Balloons continues to be a valued and enjoyable event for many, offering a memorable opportunity to gather and celebrate with family and friends in Tigard.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Olive Greene
I can understand that they only launch the hot air balloons in the morning, but this “balloon” festival literally has nothing else balloon themed during the day. It would have been enough for me to just see a parked balloon and maybe chat with a pilot… instead the biggest thrill was spinning the T-Mobile prize wheel after being bugged to buy a timeshare (twice). Save your $17 and do literally anything else. Literally anything.
Raven Wilson
It’s understandable the balloons could not go up because of the weather but seeing as I already put my phone number in to buy tickets it would be nice to get a text before arriving at 5 am. We were told the carnival would still be happening so paid for parking only to find out nothing was open, including any food vendors. The walk to the empty event was peaceful and staff were friendly although they didn’t let us drive the golf carts. Golf carts rides are also 2$.
Joel Macha
Good luck finding it. The signs conflict on where to go and the parking lot is kind of hidden. The location Google sends you to is where the festival is, but the parking lot is far away. There's not many vendors and parking and admittance is way too expensive. At least the booths that were open were nice, but way less selection than a county fair. I didn't see any hot air balloons since they are only there early in the morning or late at night. When the balloons aren't there, there's a giant open space that's totally wasted.
Stacie Jones
This was such an amazing experience to be up so close to a hot air balloon! They have golf carts that escort people that need a ride, with a donation. They have so many people out helping stay organized, from parking, to the front entrance admittance. The park was clean and so were the restrooms. We had a lovely time! It was worth seeing the sunrise!
Sadie Baker
This is an incredible and unique experience. Take note that to see the balloons fly, you have to go early in the morning or late evening. I think it's worth waking up to see, even as someone who hates mornings.
How to reach Festival Of Balloons
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Why Festival Of Balloons may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Festival of Balloons with your friends?
Gathering your friends at the Festival of Balloons is an ideal way to experience a vibrant community event filled with colorful sights, engaging entertainment, and a lively atmosphere. This festival offers a unique blend of visually stunning hot air balloons and a wide variety of activities that appeal to different interests, making it a perfect outing for groups. Sharing the awe-inspiring spectacle of balloons gently floating against the sky creates memorable moments that resonate well beyond the event itself. The festival serves as more than just a visual feast; it’s a social hub where friends can reconnect, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, explore artisan crafts, and participate in fun games and rides tailored for all ages. Importantly, it combines fun with a sense of community purpose by supporting local non-profit organizations, adding an extra layer of meaning to your visit. Whether your group is looking for excitement, relaxation, or a chance to enjoy beautiful outdoors in good company, Festival of Balloons offers a great environment fostering social connections amid festive cheer.
What activities can groups enjoy at Festival of Balloons?
The Festival of Balloons is rich with diverse activities that cater excellently to groups. The centerpiece is, of course, the hot air balloons themselves. Early morning balloon launches provide a captivating experience as vibrant balloons lift into the sky, weather conditions permitting, which creates a dramatic and serene start to the day. Beyond the balloons, attendees can browse numerous craft and vendor booths where local artisans and small businesses showcase unique items, perfect for group members who love shopping for handmade or one-of-a-kind goods. Food options are abundant, served by local vendors offering various tasty treats that allow groups to share and discover new favorites together. For those craving excitement, the festival hosts carnival rides and games that engage kids and adults alike, fostering friendly competition and laughter. The Kid’s Zone offers focused fun and safety for younger children, making the event inclusive for families. In the evening, the NW Natural Night Glow spectacular illuminates the balloons against the night sky, creating a magical photo opportunity and a shared sense of wonder among friends.
How does Festival of Balloons create the perfect setting for group meetups?
Festival of Balloons cultivates an inviting, spacious environment that encourages group interaction while allowing for individual freedom to explore. The festival layout includes open grounds ideal for setting up picnic spots, making it effortless for groups to gather and relax between activities. The vibrant mix of entertainment on the main stage ensures there is always something communal to enjoy, from live music to special presentations, which helps unify group members in shared experiences. Festival organizers emphasize family-friendly and inclusive programming, which means you’ll find attendees from all age groups and walks of life, enhancing the social vibe and opportunity to meet new people if desired. The event’s communal mission of supporting multiple local non-profits adds a rewarding dimension to group outings, providing a sense of contributing to the community while having fun. Accessibility and a variety of activity options cater to groups with diverse preferences, ensuring everyone finds something appealing, whether that’s a quiet moment watching balloons or the excitement of carnival rides.
Why is Festival of Balloons a family-friendly venue for group gatherings?
Festival of Balloons excels as a family-friendly venue by offering a safe, engaging, and entertaining space for guests of all ages. The presence of a dedicated Kid’s Zone means parents can comfortably bring younger children to enjoy activities specially designed for their amusement and safety. Carnival rides and games provide wholesome thrill and lighthearted competition that family members from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy together, strengthening familial bonds through shared fun. Food vendors provide diverse menus suitable for different tastes and dietary preferences, making communal meals easy and enjoyable. The inclusion of live music and stage shows creates moments of collective celebration and relaxation suitable for families who enjoy entertainment as a group. Furthermore, the event’s mission to support local charities through fundraising highlights a community-focused atmosphere, allowing families and groups to instill values of giving back while celebrating together. This combination of safety, fun variety, and social purpose makes Festival of Balloons an exemplary choice for group gatherings across generations.
How does Festival of Balloons support the local community and why does that matter for visitors?
Festival of Balloons is more than just a celebration of balloons and fun—it plays a significant role in supporting Tigard’s local community through its non-profit fundraising efforts. The event is organized by a 501(c)(3) entity that channels proceeds to support many local organizations, including schools, emergency services, search and rescue teams, veterans’ associations, and youth groups. In recent festivals, about $40,000 was raised benefiting diverse groups such as the Tigard Breakfast Rotary Club, Tigard High School Athletic and Band Boosters, and Mountain Wave Search & Rescue. This robust support network means when visitors attend the Festival of Balloons, they are not only enjoying a vibrant event but also directly contributing to their community's well-being and development. For groups looking to mix leisure with meaningful engagement, this adds a valuable dimension, turning a fun outing into an act of community solidarity. This locally rooted purpose promotes a welcoming, warm atmosphere where guests feel their presence matters beyond entertainment, encouraging repeat visits and stronger community ties.
What should groups know about the logistics and planning for attending Festival of Balloons?
Groups planning a visit to Festival of Balloons should consider several logistical aspects that can enhance their experience. The event’s venues and schedules vary depending on the yearly program, but it generally includes early morning balloon launches, daytime shopping and rides, and evening entertainment like the Night Glow. Arriving early is recommended to secure parking and good viewing spots, especially if the group wants to see the balloons lift off at dawn. The festival grounds are typically spacious and well-organized to accommodate families and large groups, but coordinating meeting points and times within your group is helpful given the variety of activities spread throughout the site. Purchasing tickets or passes ahead of time (if applicable) may reduce wait times and help avoid last-minute disappointments. Weather can impact balloon flights and outdoor activities, so groups should prepare accordingly with layered clothing and rain gear if needed. Finally, planning which activities suit your group’s interests and mobility in advance will maximize enjoyment, ensuring a smooth and pleasant festival experience for all attendees.
In summary, Festival of Balloons offers a memorable and multifaceted experience perfect for groups looking to blend spectacular balloon sights with rich community engagement, varied entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The event’s unique mix of colorful displays, vendor markets, carnival excitement, and charitable mission provides ample reasons to rally friends or family together and create lasting memories in a vibrant community setting.