Where is the Lake Red Rock Balloonfest located?
It is located at the North Overlook Recreation Area. The address is 1007 Hwy T15, Pella, IA 50219.
When is the Lake Red Rock Balloonfest?
It is typically the second weekend in July. For 2026, it is July 10-12
What weather conditions are needed for a balloon flight?
Ideally the weather needs to be clear of storms or rain in the area along with winds under 10mph.
What time are the flights scheduled?
Flights are scheduled at sunrise and several hours before sunset since that is when the winds are usually the calmest. Typically, this will occur around 6:30am and 6:30pm. However, this may be delayed or cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions that would prevent a safe flight.
How will I know if the balloons will fly?
Event notifications will be made on our Facebook page, and we recommend listening to KNIA/KRLS for the most up to date information. All Lake Red Rock Balloonfest events depend on prevailing weather conditions and are subject to delays or cancellations. Surface winds and winds aloft can vary greatly. Safety is our first priority.
What else is there to do at Lake Red Rock Balloonfest?
At the North Overlook Recreation Area, there is a large public beach that is accessible along with vendors with food and drink options. There is also a band that plays every evening. Within the Marion County area, there are multiple local options and activities available as well.
How early should I arrive at the North Overlook Recreation Area?
Anytime you would like. There will be multiple food vendors along with an apparel vendor on site Friday 6:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday 3:00pm-10:00pm. There are also other activities happening throughout the event. Check the schedule of events.
What is a night glow?
At dusk while the balloons are on the ground, the pilot(s) will ignite the propane burners periodically to light up the balloon. It is breathtaking to see! You will want your camera out! This is weather permitting.
Will balloon rides be available?
The event will be offering tethered balloon rides during the event. They will be $20.00 per person, per ride. Payment for rides will be made on site just prior to boarding. Cash is preferred, but a card option will be available, but service may be limited. Rides may begin as early as 6:30pm but may be delayed or cancelled due to weather or the pilot’s discretion for safety reasons.
What is the parking like at the North Overlook Recreation area?
The parking area has two main gravel areas for parking. On the lower tier, there are multiple ADA parking spots available along with several spots for motorcycles. When those areas get full, we will utilize a grass parking area on the upper tier, if the area is dry.
Do I have to pay to park?
Parking is a free-will donation that is used to support the local group(s) assisting with the parking for fundraising activities.
Is there an ATM on site?
No. Cash is recommended. Some vendors may take forms of electronic payment, but service may be limited.
What do I need to bring to the event?
You may bring chairs, blankets, your own food if desired, good walking shoes, bug spray, and a willingness to have some fun! Pets are also allowed, but you are responsible for cleaning up after them. They MUST be on a leash.
Are there any restrooms available?
Yes. There are restrooms on site which include ADA accessible units.
Where is the best place to watch the balloons fly?
We recommend the North Overlook Recreation area.
Where do they launch, land, fly or where are the targets?
There are a lot of varied factors that go into deciding the flight plan, but safety is our number one priority. Before each flight, our safety team looks at the wind direction, wind speed, and weather conditions to see what target(s) the best options will be. Each pilot is then briefed on the current weather conditions and must decide where they feel the best take off point will be, and where they will land. Since they are subject to the wind, their flight plan can vary for every flight. There is no set place where the balloons will fly over. We center our activities at North Overlook Beach. We try to factor the flight plan over this area; however, this is NEVER a guarantee due to varied weather and safety factors.
What is the Lake Red Rock Balloonfest?
It is a family centered event that hosts a balloon race that draws pilots from around the country and has multiple family-oriented activities located at the North Overlook Recreation area.
What is a balloon race?
It is a competition. During these competitions, the goal is for pilots to score as close to a pre-determined target as possible. Pilots have small, weighted markers, called baggies, that they throw at the targets. Unlike other forms of flying, hot air balloons have no control of the direction they fly. The wind carries the balloons. To hit the target, pilots must track the winds aloft and plan their take-off locations so they can get closest to the target.
Where are the targets located and are we able to watch from these locations?
There are many factors involved in figuring out target locations. Those factors include wind speed, wind direction, current and future weather conditions, obstacles such as power lines, livestock, crops, and private property. Our team of officials work to find the safest target locations based on those factors.
For safety reasons, we do not release this information except to the pilots during the pilot briefing. We do this to assist with keeping traffic moving in the area, allowing emergency services accessibility, and allowing chase crews to safely follow their pilot during their flight. If we were to provide this information to the general public, this may cause traffic jams and other unsafe circumstances. Safety is our number one priority, not only for our pilots but also for those viewing the balloons.