Hot Air Balloons To Fill Up The Sky At Festival In Eastern Iowa

It feels like summer is coming to a close as a lot of big summer events come to a close. But you're forgetting about one awesome event in our community that has awesome views and raises money to help others.

This weekend on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River is the annual Quad Cities Balloon Festival. No, this isn't a festival surrounding small balloon animals or normal party balloons. This festival features the skies filled with hot air balloons soaring over the Quad Cities.

Make sure your calendar is open to see these incredible balloons take off and fly high into the air at the Quad Cities Balloon Festival.

Hot Air Balloons To Fill The Quad Cities Sky

Get ready to see hot air balloons closeup and flying high in the sky this weekend at the 2023 Quad Cities Balloon Festival. 

The Quad Cities Balloon Festival will take place this Friday, August 11th, and Saturday, August 12th, at the Rhythm City Casino Resort (7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport).

Gates open at the QC Balloon Festival on Friday at 4 p.m. and at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Food vendors will be there from when gates open until 9 p.m. each day with a balloon glow set to happen around dusk both days.

The hot air balloons will also hold a launch from Rhythm City Casino on both nights (weather permitting) at 6 p.m. There will also be bounce houses for kids and tethered rides for people to enjoy during the two-day festival.

Free Admission & New Feature At QC Balloon Festival

If you see anyone trying to sell tickets to the Quad Cities Balloon Festival, it's a flat-out scam. Admission is free for both days of the festival but officials say n lieu of admission, they ask that you donate to The QC Veterans Outreach Center or Friends Community Social Club.

New for this year on Friday, August 11th is Bike and Balloons. If you have a motorcycle, park close to the field and let the people check out your sweet ride as the hot air balloons take off.

Bikes and Balloons begins at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

Saturday will feature the Car Show from 2-5:30 p.m. on the launch field.