The following description comes from the event organizer.

Discover a rare and extraordinary adventure at the Kongregation, an exclusive and secret multi-day hot air balloon festival in Ferndale, Washington (Just 1.5 hours from Downtown Seattle!). This year’s secret balloon festival occurs during the Whatcom Old Settlers Festival and Picnic weekend. Over two dozen hot air balloons will paint the sky with a vibrant tapestry of hues.

This is not just any hot air balloon festival. It’s a gathering of passionate hot air balloon pilots and enthusiasts from across the Northwest. Kongregation is not an official festival and isn’t promoted, as it’s more of a private event where hot air balloonists come to fly and hang out with each other. Balloon pilots pay for their transportation, hotel, and fuel to attend and are not compensated by the city or any sponsors. 

That means there are minimal spots to fly, and it is very exclusive. If you do secure a spot, you’ll join firsthand in celebrating the soaring spirit and a chance to hang with the elite community of Aeronauts. There are only a dozen active hot air balloon pilots in Washington State, and the majority of pilots have small balloons that carry 1-2 passengers, which is why they only take their friends and family up. It’s like meeting a friend that asks you to join as a crew on their racing yacht (Basically, it’s rare.)

Kick off the weekend on Friday, July 28th, with a hot air balloon glow where 5-10 balloons will ignite Pioneer Park at sunset, creating a warm, flickering light show that resembles a celestial fire dance. For more information about the Balloon Glow, visit the Whatcom County Old Settlers Association.

Rise and shine on Saturday, July 29th, for a sunrise launch that will leave you in awe as the balloons gracefully ascend into the sky in a synchronized performance. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just a lover of breathtaking sights, this is a moment not to be missed. Launch sites are not shared with the general public as the launch sites are private property and change based on the winds.

Take your experience to new heights by securing a hot air balloon ride during the private weekend event. Seattle Ballooning, the largest balloon company in the Northwest, is bringing multiple commercial hot air balloons and offering a very limited number of spots for guests to join in on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Free to come to watch the balloons, but the launch location will only be revealed to the pilots and guests flying in the event!