Despite this year’s Groundhog Day predictions, we rarely see an early spring in Montana. If you have a case of cabin fever and you’re ready for winter to end, this is a great time to remember that we have some wonderful warm weather activities coming up in the Treasure State. This year’s Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous promises to be better than ever.
The Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous has been a Montana tradition for almost 22 years, although it has had several different names and locations.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook Presently, the festival takes place in Billings every July.
Not only is Montana’s only hot air balloon festival fun, it’s completely free to the public.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook This is due to the local sponsors who make annual donations to the non-profit organization responsible for the event.
The festival features pilots from all over the United States and Canada as well as balloons from all over the world.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook Some of the pilots have over 40 years of experience.
The weekend-long event kicks off early in the morning (6 a.m., to be exact), but fortunately, there’s a pancake feed to help you wake up.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook The balloons take to the sky each day from Friday through Sunday.
The festival always ends with the Balloon Glow at dusk on Sunday, much to everyone’s delight.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook There’s something pretty amazing about seeing hot air balloons illuminated in the darkening sky. It’s the highlight of the entire festival.
In recent years, the rendezvous has expanded to include food trucks, face painting, and other activities.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook Attendance at the event dwindled down, forcing the event to close in 2014; however, due to the great efforts of Billings resident Chris Jones, the festival returned in 2015, much to the delight of locals.
While the Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous dates for 2020 haven’t been announced yet, we know we can expect the event to happen in July.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook Keep an eye out for event details, mark your calendars, and plan to make the drive to Billings this summer, because this is a spectacular sight to behold.
Hang in there, Montana… when the weather warms up, our festival and event season will kick off, and this is just one of many things to look forward to.
Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous / Facebook
Presently, the festival takes place in Billings every July.
This is due to the local sponsors who make annual donations to the non-profit organization responsible for the event.
Some of the pilots have over 40 years of experience.
The balloons take to the sky each day from Friday through Sunday.
There’s something pretty amazing about seeing hot air balloons illuminated in the darkening sky. It’s the highlight of the entire festival.
Attendance at the event dwindled down, forcing the event to close in 2014; however, due to the great efforts of Billings resident Chris Jones, the festival returned in 2015, much to the delight of locals.
Keep an eye out for event details, mark your calendars, and plan to make the drive to Billings this summer, because this is a spectacular sight to behold.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Billings, MT, USA
