One Night
100 Foot Balloons
Beneath the Space Needle
What is The Seattle Glow?
The Seattle Glow is a Hot Air Balloon Spectacular put on by Seattle Ballooning and the local hot air balloon community. Hot air balloons are fully inflated and tethered to the ground at the Seattle Center. As pilots fire their burners, the massive envelopes light up like 100-foot-tall glowing lanterns, pulsing with heat and color against the night sky.
The balloons don't launch. They glow. This creates the perfect setting for up-close encounters with these gentle giants, unforgettable photos, and a festival atmosphere with DJ music unlike anything Seattle has ever seen.
Last year's inaugural event was the first time in downtown Seattle history that hot air balloons glowed in an urban setting. It drew over 15,000 people on a single Sunday night. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the magic returns to Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center.
Evening Schedule
Arrive early and settle in as the DJ fills the Seattle Center with music. Grab a blanket, find your spot on the lawn near Fisher Pavilion, and enjoy the atmosphere as the sun sets behind the Olympic Mountains.
As twilight falls, the hot air balloons inflate and the burners ignite. Watch the envelopes transform into towering, glowing lanterns against the darkening sky and the illuminated Space Needle. The glow lasts approximately one hour.
The Armory at Seattle Center will be serving food and beverages. Restroom facilities are also available in the Armory. Come hungry and make an evening of it.
Perfect For Everyone
A free, safe, and awe-inspiring experience for children of all ages. Prepare for wide eyes and "wows!" as the balloons tower overhead and burst with light.
Glowing balloons framed by the Space Needle at dusk. One of the most photogenic events in Seattle. Bring your camera or phone for iconic shots.
A one-of-a-kind romantic evening under giant glowing balloons with DJ music. Grab dinner at the Armory, then watch the sky come alive.
Come Prepared
Personal drones are strictly prohibited in the event area and near the hot air balloons. Flying a personal drone near hot air balloons is illegal and dangerous. Only official, authorized drones operated by the event team are permitted. Please help us keep everyone safe and enjoy the glow from the ground.
FAQ
The Seattle Glow is a free public Hot Air Balloon Spectacular put on by Seattle Ballooning and local balloon pilots on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center. The balloons are not tethered, do not fly, and stay on the ground. Pilots fire their burners to illuminate the envelopes like giant glowing lanterns against the night sky.
Yes, The Seattle Glow is completely free to attend. No tickets, reservations, or RSVPs are required. Simply show up at the Seattle Center near Fisher Pavilion.
DJ music starts at 8:00 PM. Balloons inflate and glow at 9:00 PM. We recommend arriving by 7:30 PM for the best spots. The glow lasts about one hour.
Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109. The Space Needle is the backdrop. Accessible by car, Metro bus, Monorail, and Link Light Rail.
Yes. Food and beverages are available at the Armory at Seattle Center. Restrooms are also in the Armory.
No. Personal drones are strictly prohibited near the balloons and event area. It is illegal and dangerous to fly a personal drone near hot air balloons. Only official, authorized drones operated by the event team are permitted.
The event is weather permitting. Balloons require calm, dry conditions. Follow Seattle Ballooning on Facebook or check SeattleGlow.com for updates.
Over 15,000 people attended the inaugural Seattle Glow in 2025 on a single Sunday night at 9 PM, one of the most well-attended free events at the Seattle Center that summer.
The Seattle Glow is presented by Seattle Ballooning, the Pacific Northwest's premier hot air balloon ride company, in partnership with Seattle Center. Muckleshoot Casino is the presenting sponsor. Seattle Ballooning offers sunrise and sunset balloon flights near Seattle with views of Mt. Rainier.
Seattle Ballooning
The Seattle Glow is put on by Seattle Ballooning, the Pacific Northwest's premier hot air balloon ride company. While the Glow keeps balloons on the ground, Seattle Ballooning takes you up.
Imagine floating above the forest at sunrise with Mt. Rainier filling the horizon. Seattle Ballooning offers private and shared flights departing near Seattle, with breathtaking views of the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains.
Book a FlightInterested in sponsoring The Seattle Glow? Contact Seattle Ballooning
Find Us
Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Located in the heart of Seattle, the Seattle Center is accessible by car, Metro bus, the Seattle Monorail from Westlake Station, and Link Light Rail. The balloons glow in front of Fisher Pavilion with the Space Needle towering above.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Join thousands of Seattleites for an evening of DJ music, glowing balloons, and wonder. Presented by Seattle Ballooning. Completely free.
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