2024 National Balloon Classic July 26 – August 3 Indianola, Iowa

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100+ Hot Air Balloons Suspended Over the Horizon

Get ready to witness the magic of the 2024 National Balloon Classic, which is set to take place July 26 through August 3. Imagine yourself surrounded by over 100 hot air balloons gracefully suspended over the horizon, guided by skilled pilots from across the globe. Feel the exhilaration as the roaring burners ignite, creating a whoosh that resonates through the atmosphere. Join the 85,000 annual visitors who flock to this event, where the excitement soars without breaking the bank. It’s not just a destination for your bucket list; it’s a place where you capture unforgettable memories in your photo gallery, lasting a lifetime

Table of Contents

• 100+ Hot Air Balloons Suspended Over the Horizon
• Balloon Rides at the Indianola Balloon Classic 2024
• Great Balloon Race
• Live Music and Hot Air Balloon Nightglow
• The Great Galena Art Sale
• Need to Know
• Volunteers Needed
• Like it? Pin it!

Balloon Rides at the Indianola Balloon Classic 2024

Indianola, Iowa, transforms into a hub of aerial excitement 3,000 feet above the rolling hills this summer. Enjoy views of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, proving that Iowa isn’t merely a flyover state—it’s a destination for soaring experiences. Join us for balloon rides available every morning and evening, subject to weather conditions, priced at $250 per person (cash) or $260 (credit/debit card), offering approximately 45-60 minutes of airborne adventure. Please note that gate admission is not included in the ride price. Click the link to reserve your flight today.

Click here for more information about the 2024 National Balloon Classic July 26 – August 3 in Indianola, Iowa.

Great Balloon Race

The Great Balloon Race takes place from Friday and Saturday evenings, June 21 through June 23, from 5 PM to 10 PM (weather permitting). Enjoy live music, a hot air balloon race, and a nightglow event. Kids can have fun on inflatables from 5 PM to 9 PM. Admission is $5 CASH per person at the gate, with free parking and shuttle service available.

Saturday night features a classic car show starting at 6 PM. On Saturday and Sunday mornings around 5 AM, weather permitting, watch the Crack of Dawn Balloon Race. There’s no shuttle service for the race, so you need to park by the event field on Walnut St. Bring your coffee and lawn chair to watch the balloons soar into the horizon.

Live Music and Hot Air Balloon Nightglow

The festival unfolds on Friday nights from 5 PM to 10 PM (weather permitting), and likewise on Saturday nights during the same hours. Catch live music starting at 5:30 PM with The Wundo Band on Friday. Additionally, a special performance yet to be announced awaits you on Saturday. Watch as the hot air balloons take flight at 6:00 PM. Subsequently, wrap up the evening with the captivating Hot Air Balloon Nightglow at 8:30 PM

The Great Galena Art Sale

Don’t miss out on the Great Galena Art Sale happening Saturday, June 17th, from 5 PM to 9 PM, set under the big tent at the Great Galena Balloon Race event. Explore a diverse collection of original artworks by talented regional artists while soaking in the excitement of the balloon race. In addition, they are currently inviting artists to participate in this event. Requirements include submitting original art and design pieces. In addition, artists must provide the necessary display equipment like easels and tables, and handling all sales transactions independently. Secure your spot with a $50 artist participation fee. Registration is open until May 31st. Seize this opportunity to showcase your art in the lively ambiance of the balloon race!

Need to Know

The National Balloon Classic actively raises funds for Camp Hertko Hollow. It’s a cherished camp for children with diabetes, as well as for Juvenile Diabetes Research (JDRF). This event cash-only. They do not accept credit or debit cards. Furthermore, they do not allow coolers.

In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to secure a spot. Enjoy the live music, and watch the balloons. Pets are welcome. However, owners are reminded to ensure their pets are comfortable in crowds and to clean up after them. The festival offers a variety of food and drinks for purchase, such as burgers, hot dogs, walking tacos, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Volunteers Needed

The National Balloon Classic certainly relies on hundreds of volunteers to make this event successful. Therefore, volunteers help in all areas, including balloon chase crews, public information, gate hosting, ticket taking, hospitality, gift shop attendants, clean-up crew, and parking assistants. Consequently, click the link below to find out more information on the Indianola Balloon Classic 2024.

Volunteer

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