Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt

For DSM Visitors and Residents Who Love Hot Air Balloons Various Locations Around Downtown DSM Admission: Free and Open to the Public Collaborator: National Balloon Classic

The Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt is one of the most spectacular activations in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Each Hunt brings people to locations around Downtown where they can experience 15 beautiful hot air balloons amid downtown restaurants and shops, encouraging them to buy from and support local businesses as they see these glowing aircrafts. The DSM Local Downtown DSM Buying Guide and DSM Local Historic East Village Buying Guide can assist with choosing restaurants and shops to visit near the hot air balloon locations in order to make the most of time spent in Downtown DSM.

In the past, the Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt locations have included the Iowa State Capitol, Principal Park, Court Avenue, the Science Center of Iowa and more. Balloons are lit onsite by regional pilots and balloon sites are manned by volunteers. Pilots hand out collectible cards with information about the balloon and pilot.

Thanks to the support of the National Balloon Classic, Iowa’s nine-day annual event featuring 100+ hot air balloons at Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola, hot air balloon enthusiasts can seek out multiple balloons across Downtown DSM during this event.

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