Charge up your phone to capture the rainbow-hued balloons at Indianola’s National Balloon Classic, which kicks off tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.
For over 50 years, Indianola’s National Balloon Classic has drawn visitors and locals alike with skies filled with balloons in brilliant colors and unique shapes. This year, the event runs July 29–Aug. 6 at Memorial Balloon Field, located at 15335 Jewell St. in Indianola.
Pack lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy an evening watching the 125-plus balloons take off at 6:30 p.m. each evening. You can also enjoy local flavors and listen to area musicians. Gates open tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. for the kickoff flight.
This Saturday (July 30), there’s a parade and arts festival at Buxton Park. If you’re an early bird, set your alarm for the 5:15 a.m. launch, in which the balloons take off amid dark skies.
Admission is $10 online and $12 at several retailers. Tickets need to be purchased in advance—print or show on your mobile device. Plan on local eats from food trucks, which will be serving options such as pie a la mode, kettle corn, shave ice, walking tacos, burgers, waffles, crepes and more. There’s also a beer and wine tent and gift shop highlighting Iowa makers.
To get up in the skies, reserve a ride through Galena on the Fly; $220 per person. Reserve at buyaballoonride.com.
Learn more about the event at nationalballoonclassic.com.
