One of the oldest balloon festivals in the Midwest, the National Balloon Classic, is held every summer at the Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa. For nine days, the skies over Indianola become full of colors as over 100 hot air balloons take off from the Memorial Balloon Field. In addition to spectacular balloon launches and evening glows, you can expect plenty of entertainment, such as live music, the parade, and various fun activities.
National Balloon Classic Events and Activities
The festival's most solemn moment is the U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the National Balloon Museum. The Dawn Patrol launch at 5 in the morning, Nite Glow and the Nite Glow Extravaganza are some of the most popular events of the festival. During Nite Glow Extravaganza, spectators are allowed onto the launch field to see closer the process of launching balloons up. Balloon Flight Over Des Moines is another special event with dozens of hot air balloons flying over the Iowa capital. Fantastic Fireworks is a great pyrotechnic show that gathers crowds at the beginning and end of the festival.
The Parade
The National Balloon Classic Parade in Downtown Indianola is a unique chance to enjoy local craft beers, excellent wines, and delicious food. The event dates back to 1970, when the fifth United States National Hot Air Balloon Championship took place in Indianola, Iowa, for the first time. Since then, it has become a favorite summer event for many local families.
Event Schedule
The 2024 National Balloon Classic will take place from July 26 to August 3. The event will kick off on Friday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m. with a Night Event featuring Sons of Gladys Kravitz on the TruBank Stage and a fireworks display after dark. The Saturday program will begin at 6:30 a.m. with competition practice, followed by a mass ascension at 6:30 p.m., a performance by Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on the TruBank Stage, and another fireworks display after dark.
On Sunday, the competition begins at 6:30 am; the balloon flight + evening task starts at 6:30 pm. Birdchild will be on the TruBank Stage, and the fantastic Nite Glow will take place in the dark. Monday and Tuesday will also start with the competition at 6:30 am and will end with balloon flight + evening task. Brad Seidenfeld will be on the TruBank Stage on Monday, and The Snacks will perform on Tuesday. On Wednesday, in addition to the competition, balloon flight plus evening task, and Kick on the TruBank Stage, there will be a Nite Glow Extravaganza after sunset.
On Thursday and Friday will also start with the competition at 6:30 am and end with the balloon flight + evening task. The Damon Dotson Band will perform on the TruBank Stage on Thursday, and the Schmidt Brothers will perform on Friday.
Saturday, the last day of the festival, will begin with competition practice at 6:30 am and end with the balloon flight + evening task at 6:30 pm. Decoy will entertain guests on the TruBank Stage. The celebration will conclude with a grand fireworks display after dark.
Tickets
General admission (ages 6 and up) costs $10 and includes evening entertainment, eight mornings of competition viewing, and free parking both mornings and evenings during the festival. Free admission is offered to children ages five and under.
Hot Air Ballon Rides
Balloon rides are available every morning and evening during the festival days, weather permitting. The cost is $250 per person if paying with cash or $260 with a credit/debit card for a ride lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Please note that this price does not include gate admission.
Location
The 9-day event National Balloon Classic will run at the Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa.
Tips
If you wonder where to park your car, the parking spot will be included in your general admission ticket. The parking lot is located on 150th Avenue, right next to the Memorial Balloon Field. There is also handicapped access. The event's organizers ask to avoid bringing any tents or big umbrellas that may block the views. The same goes for outside food and drinks. However, if you have a service animal, you are more than welcome to take it along with you.
