Hot-Air Balloon Festivals

While I enjoy festivals of all kinds, few festivals bring me more joy than hot-air balloon festivals. I absolutely adore the colors and patterns on each balloon as it glides through the sky or glows in place after dark. To me, hot-air balloons are floating works of art. I could gaze and photograph them for hours at a time. They just make me smile.

Local Festival (Next Weekend)!

Ditmar’s Orchard and Vineyard

We are lucky enough to have a local hot-air balloon festival in the town where I live (Council Bluffs, Iowa) and it’s coming up this Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9, 2023, and I can’t wait! It even looks like the weather will be beautiful next weekend. 🤞🏼🤞🤞🏾

The festival is at Ditmar’s Orchard and Vineyard just northeast of Council Bluffs. Festivities are Friday night and Saturday night and a balloon flight Sunday morning. The number of balloons participating varies, but can be up to 20.

IMPORTANT!!! You MUST purchase tickets in advance for Friday and Saturday nights and I’d recommend to do it as soon as possible, as they do sell out. There are no tickets available at the door. Tickets are non-refundable and benefit the local cancer society’s Relay for Life. The cost is $33.00 per vehicle including tax, so carpool with your friends and save!

In addition to the balloons, live bands will perform. Delicious food, drinks, and other items will be available for purchase. No outside food or drinks will be allowed. Porta potties will be available. Bring a lawn or camping chair and some bug spray and get ready to enjoy these soaring wonders! For additional information and the schedule for this event, click here.

Other Regional and National Balloon Festivals

National Balloon Classic - Indianola, Iowa

More than 100 balloons, food, and nightly live entertainment are featured at this annual balloon festival. It is definitely a sight to see! I have been to this festival twice and enjoyed it very much. I tried to go this year but it was raining heavily on the day I was in town. While I was a bit disappointed, the state needed the rain. I will try again next year. The dates are always near the end of July and the beginning of August every year. The dates for 2024 are scheduled for July 26 to August 3. The festival is a short drive from Des Moines, Iowa. Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to allow time to park and get a good spot to set up your lawn chair. Allow more time on the two weekends or if you want to snag a spot under a shady tree. (Insider Tip!)

While you’re in Indianola, be sure to check out the National Balloon Museum, several wineries, and the many independent shops and restaurants, including classic diner food at The Crouse Cafe, pizza at The Brickhouse Tavern, pizza and steak at Winn’s Pizza and Steakhouse, and call-in rootbeer floats at a classic A & W . There is even an independent bookstore downtown called Pageturners Bookstore. If that’s not enough, head to Des Moines or nearby Pella for more things to do and delicious and fun food to eat.

Lodging Tip: I have previously stayed at Hotel Pommier and this three-bedroom AirBnb in Indianola. Both were comfortable and squeaky clean, but be sure to book as far ahead as possible with a flexible cancellation policy. Remember that both balloonists and visitors will be looking for lodging and things fill up. You can book in Des Moines and other nearby locations but sometimes local conferences and events can drive up lodging costs in those places too. The early bird always gets the proverbial worm and often a less expensive price!

National Balloon Fiesta - Albuquerque, New Mexico

This is the biggest annual balloon festival in the world, held during the beginning of October every year. The National Balloon Fiesta now features an estimated 600 balloons and a number of different types of events, including balloon glows and shape glows (balloons in fun shapes, such as animals, characters, etc...). Click here for ten fantastic images from a previous Balloon Fiesta.

For this festival you will need to plan ahead, as attendance is high and prices can be steep for that week. But if you love balloons this must be on your bucket list. I hope to go in 2024 and have a lovely, but reasonable home rented where I can see balloon ascensions from the shady backyard. There are many home rentals and hotels available in Albuquerque but they go fast. Rent a house or condo with another family or couple and split the costs! Remember, the early bird gets the proverbial worm! Check out AirBnb, VRBO, Evolve, and other sites for home rentals or check out this link for complete festival information. Your friendly travel agent may also have tour packages that include festival attendance with other sights and attractions.

For more information on other world-wide balloon festivals, check out this great Travel Channel article. I would LOVE to go to some of these festivals too. For the quintessential balloon ride experience, your bucket list destination is Cappadocia, Turkey, where riders soar over the World Heritage Site. Maybe someday! 🤞🤞🏼🤞🏿