2023 National Balloon Classic

100+ hot air balloons suspended over the horizon, skilled pilots from around the world, roaring burners creating a whoosh that is both heard and felt. All of this and so much more!

We are curators of fun and specialize in unique experiences, and there is no better experience than nine days every summer at the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa!

More than 100 magnificent hot air balloons paint the sky with brilliant colors as skilled pilots from around the world compete for points, prizes, and championship titles. Guests watch in awe as they also enjoy live music nightly, Nite Glows, fireworks, kite shows, skydivers, Kids Land, and so much more.

Find your fun at the National Balloon Classic … we are ready to take flight with you!

Balloon Rides

Want to take your fun to new heights? Create lifetime memories and buy a balloon ride. Balloon rides are available every morning or evening (weather permitting) during the 2023 National Balloon Classic. Reserve a balloon ride TODAY. Spots sell out quickly!

Galena on the Fly, the official Ride Balloon Operator for the National Balloon Classic. New for 2023: PRIVATE FLIGHTS FOR TWO Monday-Friday mornings only. Private flights sell out fast. Reserve your exclusive spot today!

BUY A BALLOON RIDE!

National Balloon Classic 2023 Event Schedule

July 28–August 5

FRIDAY, JULY 28

6:30 PM

Friday Night Kick-Off Flight:

OVER THE TOP!

On the TruBank Stage:

SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ

SATURDAY, JULY 29

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

BRAD & KATE

Dark: FANTASTIC FIREWORKS

Sponsored by Retirement Solutions of Iowa

SUNDAY, JULY 30

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

DAMON DOTSON BAND

Dusk: NITE GLOW

Sponsored by DeYarman Ford  Indianola

MONDAY, JULY 31

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

BRAD SEIDENFELD

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

3DM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

BIRDCHILD

Dusk: NITE GLOW

 EXTRAVAGANZA

Sponsored by DeYarman Ford  Indianola

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

SUEDE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

TRAINWRECK

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

6:30 AM

COMPETITION FLYING

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

6:30 PM

BALLOON FLIGHT

On the TruBank Stage:

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

Dark: FANTASTIC FIREWORKS

Sponsored by Retirement Solutions of Iowa

New in 2023!

RC Balloon Display

ExtraordinAIRy Kites

(Dates are weather-dependent, follow us on social for updates.)

MORNING FLIGHTS: Competition flights only

Beginning Saturday, July 29, gates are open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. for guests to enjoy watching the competition flights. Parking and viewing are “at own risk” only, (no parking/gate attendant, or entertainment). Pilot briefings are held 30 minutes prior to competition flights; updates and flight status are not announced in advance for the morning competition. All National Balloon Classic policies are in force; no pets, smoking/vaping, or outside food or beverages. A limited number of vendors are open for food and beverage purchases. Chair rental is available on a first come-first serve basis. Admission and parking are free-will donations for mornings only.

EVENING FLIGHTS

Hot air balloons are scheduled to launch each evening at 6:30 p.m. when winds are calmest, and the air is most stable. Flight decisions, including if balloons will launch at the balloon field, or land at the balloon field, are made approximately 30 minutes before each flight. Regardless of the flight plan, the sights and sounds are enchanting – and can only be experienced at the balloon field! Exceptional value! Ticket price includes admission, entertainment, live music, and parking.

WEATHER or not to fly?

All events at the National Balloon Classic are dependent on prevailing weather conditions and subject to delays or cancellations. Surface winds and winds aloft can vary greatly; maximum safe surface wind speeds are 8-10 mph. Although every effort is made for a successful balloon flight, the safety of our pilots, volunteers, and spectators is our first priority. If extreme weather conditions exist, notices will be posted via social media and our website. In ballooning, last-minute decisions are the norm because the weather can quickly change and be indecisive. Taking a “wait and see” approach may result in arriving too late and missing a beautiful night of balloon gazing 

Date: July 28 – August 5, 2023

Location:   Memorial Balloon Field:

1136 150th Avenue Indianola, IA 50125

Click here for more information