The event needs to be upgraded. It lacks multiple areas to fit the more modern visitors. Unorganized announcer scripts, poorly managed exit traffic, laughable VIP area and was barely made possible thanks to those balloon pilots, an abundant of porta potties and a long line of food truck options. Won't return. read more

This is one of the most wonderful sites to see. I so enjoy watching these huge balloons. There were over twenty balloons in the air all at once. So super cool! If you have an opportunity you absolutely must try this. read more

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Hot Air Balloons Galore! We heard about the National Balloon classic a number of years ago and finally made it out this summer. A word to anyone planning on stopping by - they only launch in the morning and evening, and there is very little going on during the day. We showed up around noon only to find an empty parking lot and some nice folks at an info booth who told about a zoo in town. Unphased, we came back in the evening and watched one of the more entertaining spectacles we've seen in a long time. Dozens of hot air balloons launched over about 90 minutes and provided some great photo op. It's been a long time since we'd seen any balloons and this was the first time we've seen them launch. Quite a nice time and a very unique event that was well worth checking out! read more

National Balloon Classic - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Indianola, Iowa

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We visited the National Balloon Classic during the evening hours because that was when our reservation for our balloon ride was. They only offer the balloon rides in the morning and evening. I think they have a lot of balloon competitions during the day because we saw a lot of single rider balloon baskets with numbers painted on them. This is a great family event where the kids can watch hot air balloons all day and fireworks at night. Make sure to bring blankets or beach chairs to sit on. They have food vendors selling pizza, funnel cakes, burgers, gyros, fries, etc. Plenty of porta potties as well in case you need one. There was even a gift shop in case you wanted to bring the memories home. I think admission into the park was $5 per person and they give you the ticket before you park your car. Cash only. Make sure to remember where you parked because there were really no markers on the ground (but a lot of cars!) read more

My friend and I purchased tickets at 2pm on Sunday (8/8/2021) and drove 60 miles to get there, only to find out the event was cancelled upon our arrival! I understand these events are purchase at your own risk but the website was selling tickets at 2pm and doors open at 4pm! What kind of business does this to customers?! This is bad business ethics/morals (and a great way to take make tons of money without giving customers a product). If you decide to go and live far away from the field, my advice is to buy the tickets at Hy-Vee instead of online. read more

Morning flights are lots of fun to watch from the field. Every balloon comes in and attempts to drop at the target. Perfect is expected all week. read more

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This is one of my favorite hot air balloon festivals! The announcer for the morning launches is knowledgeable and inciteful! And what is not to love about hot air balloons??? Galena On The Fly offers rides for a fee and their experienced pilots are the only ones I would fly with. It's fun for the entire family and should be on everyone's bucket list! Wish I had even more stars than 5 to give them!. read more

National Balloon Classic - Galena On The Fly with another stellar lift off! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Indianola, Iowa

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Here is your recipe for a memorable, fun-filled evening in Indianola, Iowa: 1. Get off your couch. 2. Load the kids in the car/truck/tractor. 3. Throw some chairs and a blanket in for good measure. 4. Drive to the Balloon Field. 5. Park. 6. Beer, corndog, repeat. 7. Funnel Cake. 8. Bouncy House. 9. Walking Taco. 10. Sit back and watch over 80 balloons, including a monkey, a parrot pirate and a balloon wearing sunglasses fly by. Hands down, the best thing about living in Indianola. World class event that I would put up against any other Americana anywhere. Pro tip: Make some room on your calendar, call the Classic office a week before and volunteer to crew for a few days during the Classic. You will get the opportunity to see balloons up close, work with pilots, ride in a chase vehicle and "catch" a balloon. Pick either option (or both), you will not regret it. read more

I live here in Indianola and we have ballooners come from all over Iowa the best nights are night glow there is something for everybody weather it is inflatables for the kids a band for the adults and food from locals oh and on Saturday they have a HUGE parade on the square on the last night they have fireworks there is so much green grass for football and other things to be played and they have trash cans for your trash so it is really clean fun and relaxing it is something that all Iowans need to see they fly really early in the morning for competition and at night they fly for fun they have a pirate Pete and a monkey the purple people eater so much fun u can also pay for a ride in one but that is like 300$ so come enjoy some fun family and friend time and have fun you can buy souvenirs in the shops they have tee shirts and hats you name it they probably have it read more

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It's a beautiful sight no matter which direction you look hot air balloons everywhere doesn't matter whether they take off from the field or come in from the countryside it's balloons as far as the eye can see that's a beautiful and wonderful family oriented environment anyone and everyone of all ages would have a blast at the Indianola Iowa National Balloon Classic read more