Visitors flock to Indianola for live music and hot air balloons

The National Balloon Classic is lifting off in Indianola on Friday. Here’s everything you need to know to make this sky-high entertainment uplifting.

What

• National Balloon Classic is a hot air ballooning celebration and competition July 29-August 6 in Indianola. The community has hosted the nine-day event for more than 50 years. More than 125 hot air balloons celebrate and compete in the event.
• Indianola is also the home of the National Balloon Museum at 1601 N Jefferson Way, Indianola.

When

• The event starts Friday and ends Aug. 6.
• Morning competition and viewing: On Dawn Patrol dates, July 30 and Aug. 6, gates are open 5-9 a.m. for Dawn Patrol viewing. Gates open on other dates 6-9 a.m. for morning flight viewing. Admission and parking are free for mornings only. Donations for parking are encouraged.
• Morning flights and Dawn Patrol are held weather permitting. No parking attendants, services, entertainment or amenities are available during morning hours. Flights directly over the balloon field are not guaranteed due to competition routes and weather conditions. A limited number of vendors may be open for food and beverage purchase, but this is not guaranteed.
• Evening activities start at 6:30 p.m. See schedule later in this article.