BEND, OR -- Hot air balloons return to the skies over Bend this weekend. Balloons launch Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings from Jewell Elementary, weather permitting. Set-up begins at sunrise, with balloons taking off around 7 a.m. Spectators can watch for free. 

Aaron Switzer, with Lay it Out Events, says Friday’s Night Glow is bigger and better than past years, "We moved it up to COCC to get a little more space - it was in Riverbend Park. And, we’ve added a music stage, so there’s musical acts. There’s just more to do at the Night Glow on Friday night." He adds, "We have a shaped balloon this year, so there’s an apple. The apple crisp is coming and that’s very cool." That’s the Cosmic Crisp Apple, helping promote 2 Towns Ciderhouse.

Saturday, the Redmond Night Glow is at Sam Johnson Park, "It’s the Bacon, Brews and Balloons," Switzer tells KBND News, "And, they didn’t do it in that fashion for a couple of years but this is back to its format from a couple years ago."

Visit the Balloons Over Bend website for more details.