Guide to Walla Walla's Best Annual Events

Walla Walla has a wide variety of unique annual events available for you to enjoy. We've described some of the most popular and entertaining events below. If you have questions regarding Walla Walla's annual events, feel free to contact us at your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.

Spring Release Weekend

Location | Varies
When | Early May
Distance from us | Varies

Spring Release Weekend, held the first full weekend in May each year, is one of Walla Walla's most popular annual events. During the event, almost all wineries in the area release their latest vintages, giving you the opportunity to sample and purchase the newest wines available. At many of the wineries, winemakers will visit tasting rooms and discuss their craft. Some wineries also include music and art displays as part of their activities during Spring Release Weekend.

Learn More

Walla Walla Frontier Days

Location | Walla Walla County Fairgrounds
When | Late August
Distance from us | 7.7 miles

Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days is an annual event that takes place just before Labor Day. It includes live music, a PRCA Rodeo, a demolition derby, and lots of food, games, and exhibits. The rodeo is probably the highlight of the event. Professional cowboys compete in a variety of events, such as barrel racing, bull riding, tie down roping, and steer wrestling. The demolition derby is also extremely popular. Tickets sell out quickly, so get yours early. And, if you want to get covered in mud, sit as close to the front rows as possible.

Learn More

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

Location | Howard Tietan Park
When | Early May
Distance from us | 7.7 miles

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is one of the oldest hot air balloon events in the country. The event takes place at Howard Tietan Park, and lasts for several days. Each morning at sunrise, the balloons ascend above the park, creating a fantastic visual display for onlookers. Usually, around two dozen balloons are involved. The balloons also ascend at sunset each day. During the event, you can schedule balloon rides and discuss ballooning with the pilots.

Learn More

Holiday Parade of Lights

Location | Downtown Walla Walla
When | First Saturday in December
Distance from us | 7.1 miles

Walla Walla's annual Holiday Parade of Lights takes place in downtown Walla Walla on the first Saturday of December. This is easily one of Walla Walla's most entertaining events. In the weeks prior to the event, dozens of floats are created by local institutions. At around 6:00 p.m., the floats begin to wind their way through the streets of downtown Walla Walla. It's basically Mardi Gras without the trinkets, but with the addition of Santa Claus. You'll want to get to the downtown area early for this celebration. A couple of hours before it starts, streets along the parade route are closed, and, an hour before the parade, the city lights up the downtown Christmas Tree.

Learn More

Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend

Location | Downtown Walla Walla
Dates | Early December
Distance from us | 7.1 miles

Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend is a three-day celebration of wine, food, art, and music. The event takes place the first weekend in December in downtown Walla Walla. Participating wineries let you sample various wines direct from wine barrels, prior to the wines being bottled. In addition, many winemakers will discuss wines and winemaking with you, making this a unique educational opportunity. During the event, you'll have the opportunity to purchase a variety of gifts, including bottled wines. Note that Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend is held the same weekend as the Holiday Parade of Lights, so you can enjoy both events without leaving the downtown area.

Learn More

Ready to Select Your Room?

Book Now