Schedule
Download the Schedule6:30 PM Friday Night Event Kick-Off:
JUST LOOK UP!
On the TruBank Stage:
SONS OF GLADYS KRAVITZ
Dark: Fantastic Fireworks
Sponsored by Poindexter Flooring
SATURDAY, JULY 27
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Mass Ascension
On the TruBank Stage:
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Dark: Fantastic Fireworks
Sponsored by Simpson College
SUNDAY, JULY 28
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Balloon Flight + Evening Task
On the TruBank Stage: BIRDCHILD
Dusk: NITE GLOW™
Sponsored by DeYarman Ford Indianola
MONDAY, JULY 29
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Mass Ascension
On the TruBank Stage:
BRAD SEIDENFELD
TUESDAY, JULY 30
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Balloon Flight + Evening Task
On the TruBank Stage:
JOSHUA SINCLAIR
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Balloon Flight + Evening Task
On the TruBank Stage: KICK
Dusk: NITE GLOW™ Extravaganza
Sponsored by Retirement Solutions of Iowa
Dark: 
THE SKY IS ALIVE™
3D Drone Show, Sponsored by Hy-Vee
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Balloon Flight + Evening Task
On the TruBank Stage:
DAMON DOTSON BAND
Dark: THE SKY IS ALIVE™
3D Drone Show, Sponsored by Hy-Vee
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Balloon Flight + Evening Task
On the TruBank Stage:
SCHMIDT BROTHERS
Dark: THE SKY IS ALIVE™
3D Drone Show, Sponsored by Hy-Vee
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
6:30 AM Competition Flying
6:30 PM Balloon Flight + Evening Task
On the TruBank Stage: DECOY
Dark: THE SKY IS ALIVE™
3D Drone Show, Sponsored by Hy-Vee
MORNING FLIGHTS: Competition flights begin on Saturday, July 27.
Gates are open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. so guests can enjoy watching the competition flights (weather permitting). Weather reports and pilot briefings are held 30 minutes before flights. Flight announcements are not made until after the pilot briefing. Parking and viewing are “at own risk” (no parking/gate attendant). All National Balloon Classic policies are in force: no pets, smoking/vaping, or outside food or beverages. Select vendors are open for food, coffee, and other beverage purchases. Chair rental is available. Admission and parking are free-will donations for mornings only.
EVENING FLIGHTS: Gates open at 4:00 p.m.
Weather permitting, hot air balloons are scheduled to launch each evening at 6:30 p.m. Weather reports, and pilot briefings are held 30 minutes before flights. Flight announcements are not made until after the pilot briefing. If the balloons do not fly, other scheduled entertainment will go on unless safety is a concern.
WEATHER or not to fly?
All National Balloon Classic events depend on prevailing weather conditions and are subject to delays or cancellations. Surface winds and winds aloft can vary greatly; maximum safe surface wind speeds are 8-10 mph. Every effort is made for a successful balloon flight. Safety is our priority. Last-minute decisions are the
norm in ballooning; winds aloft can quickly change. Taking a “wait and see” approach may result in arriving too late and missing a beautiful night of balloon gazing and phenomenal entertainment. Regardless of whether balloons launch or land at the balloon field, the sights and sounds are enchanting and can only be experienced at the balloon field — you can feel the whoosh!
One low ticket price = fantastic value!
The National Balloon Classic is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community building. Purchasing a ticket allows guests to enjoy one evening session (9 nights to choose from!), free access to watch morning competition flights (no ticket needed, free- will donation appreciated), and FREE parking both mornings and evenings. Visit our website for the full event schedule, policies, FAQs, and Know Before You Go.
Presenting Sponsor:
NationalBalloonClassic.com | 515.961.8415
