If you’re looking for an event to get your family outside and into the fresh air, then the Quad Cities Balloon Festival is a perfect choice. This year’s festival will be in Davenport, Iowa, held at Rhythm City Casino Resort this Friday and Saturday, August 12-13.

Plus, there will be a car show before the hot air balloon inflate. If you have a classic vehicle to show off bring it out. The show will take place in the grass field on the northwest corner of Rhythm City Casino's property.

Want to go on a Balloon Tether Ride?

This happens when a hot air balloon is held in place or tethered to the ground.

Ropes are attached to the balloon and it is allowed to go up only as far as the ropes will allow it.  Passengers climb into the basket and the pilot lights the burners.  The balloon ascends into the air approximately 40 - 50 feet above the ground and hovers a little while.  The balloon then gently descends back to the ground.  It is a great way to feel what it would be like to take a hot air balloon ride and to see the field from a slightly higher perspective.

Event & Admission

Rhythm City Casino at 7077 Elmore Ave, Davenport, IA

Admission is FREE - in lieu of admission, they ask that you donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Shriners will be onsite to accept donations.

Tether rides will $20 per person.

Schedule of Events

Friday, August 12, 2022

  • 4:00 pm Gates open to the public, with food vendors and bounce houses for the kids, open until 9 pm.
  • 6:00 pm is the Balloon Launch!  Then once the launch occurs the Tethered Rides will begin
  • Dusk (between 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.) the Balloon Glow

Saturday, August 13, 2022

  • 3:00 pm Gates open to the public, with food vendors and bounce houses for the kids, open until 9 pm.
  • 3:30 pm  - 5:30 pm there will be a Car Show on the Launch Field
  • 6:00 pm is the Balloon Launch!  Then once the launch occurs the Tethered Rides will begin
  • Dusk (between 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.) the Balloon Glow

Of course, everything is dependent on the skies.  Launch and glow times
could be delayed or canceled because of the weather.

By the way, drones are not allowed at this event.  Of course.

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