National Balloon Classic

10/11/2026

Thank you, Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, for inviting us to be part of your fantastic event! Bluey in a basket is never more fun! If you were there, we hope you enjoyed the balloon walk-in experience with pilot Scott Edgerton and family. Keep following us for more ballooning experiences; you never know where we might land!

10/08/2026

If you are able, think Carlisle first and support our neighbors and friends.

10/06/2026

Teamwork is such an important part of any sport, and hot air ballooning is no exception!

p.s. Per Sapphire Skye Ballooning, the answer is: "6 National Balloon Classic pilots (and crew) helping fellow Classic pilot Cory Bloom"

How many National Balloon Classic pilots does it take to tab the parachute into the ballon?? All joking aside this is what makes the ballooning community so amazing!
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

10/04/2026

The BOOlloon field is transforming into something SPOOKtacular!

10/03/2026

Balloon bucket list alert! We say it every year, and we mean it: If the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta isn’t on your balloon bucket list, it should be! Wishing safe flying, soft landings, and plenty of WHOOSH to all the pilots and crews taking to the skies this week! And we’re sending an extra-special shoutout to the BIG group of National Balloon Classic pilots and crew in Albuquerque, including our 2026 National Balloon Classic Champion, Leroy Clair!

Want to follow along? Pilot Ann, National Balloon Classic board member and Sapphire Skye Ballooning is taking us along for the ride! Follow her adventures and catch all the Fiesta fun.

Have an amazing week, balloon family. We’ll be cheering you on from Indianola!

09/19/2026

If you haven't visited the charming town of Creston, Iowa, and attended this fantastic event, you are truly missing out!

The official schedule for the Creston-Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Races is here! 🎈

Check it out because we’ve added a whole new day along with some new and exciting activities to look forward to!

There may still be a few changes and even more additions coming, so be sure to follow along for all the updates. We can’t wait to see you there!

09/18/2026

Yeah, what he said…at the end of the day, have fun.
We wish ALL the pilots competing in the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Championship Krosno 2026 the very best of luck. But we’ll admit Team USA, and the pilots competing on the world stage who have also been part of our National Balloon Classic family, have an extra-special place in our hearts. Joe Heartsill, Cory Bloom, Chase Donner, Nick Donner, Rhett Heartsill, Landon Kohtz, Johnny Petrehn, Joey Strutz, Cameron Wall, Joe Zvada, and Fabio Passos, who joined us from Brazil this year, we’ll be cheering you on from Indianola! Fly well. Have fun. Soak in every moment. And above all, safe landings to all! Once a part of the National Balloon Classic family, always a part of the family.

09/07/2026

Tickets on sale now! Three weekends in October at the haunted BOO-lloon field. Haunt on the Hill is brought to you by Holiday House. Visit their site to grab your tickets and get ready for a witchin' good time!