FUN for the whole family. Don’t miss this year’s event. July 10th & 11th 2026.
Welcome to the Quad Cities Balloon Festival, a cherished annual tradition that lights up the skies and hearts of the Quad Cities region! Held every summer at Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa, this family-friendly event has grown from a modest gathering into one of the most beloved and anticipated celebrations in Southeastern Iowa and Northwestern Illinois.
Admission is FREE – Consider donating
In lieu of admission being free we ask that you donate to The QC Veterans Outreach Center and or bring a donation for Kings Harvest Animal Shelter.
🎈 QUAD CITIES BALLOON FESTIVAL 2026 🎈
📅 July 10th & 11th, 2026
📍 Rhythm City Casino | 7077 Elmore Ave, Davenport, IA 52807
⏰ Friday doors open at 4:00 PM | Saturday car show starts at 2:00 PM
🌟 Until after dusk & the nightly balloon glow!
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!
🎈 TETHERED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Weather permitting, enjoy a tethered hot air balloon ride!
• $20 per person
• First come, first served — no reservations
• Tickets not sold in advance
• Availability is weather dependent
• Look for our banner at the event for the tether ride line up location!
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🎡 KIDS ZONE
The Kids Zone is back with UNLIMITED bounce house fun all day long!
• $10 wristband for ages 5 and up
• $5 wristband for ages 4 and under
• Plus a balloon artist & face painter!
• Kona Ice 🧊
• Henna Tattoos 🎨
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🎶 ENTERTAINMENT
• Friday — DJ with Master Entertainment 🎵
• Saturday — Live Band — CraZy-X (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
• Saturday — Car Show (starts at 2:00 PM)
• Both nights — Spectacular Balloon Glow at dusk! 🌟
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🌮 FOOD & SHOPPING
Enjoy amazing local food trucks AND a fantastic variety of non-food vendors! Whether you’re hungry or looking to shop, there’s something for everyone!
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Bring your family, bring your friends, and come make some memories with us! We can’t wait to see you July 10th & 11th at Rhythm City Casino in Davenport! 🎈
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEKEND
Admission is FREE Friday and Saturday – in lieu of admission being free we ask that you donate to The QC Veterans Outreach and Kings Harves Animal Shelter.
Friday, July 10th
4:00 PM – Gates open to public 4:00 – 9:00 PM
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Food Vendors
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Bounces Houses for kids
5:00 – 8:00 PM – Crazy X Band
6:00 PM – Balloon Launch Once Launch occurs the Tethered Rides will begin.
Dusk (between 7:45 – 8:45 PM) ……. Balloon Glow
Saturday, July 11th
3:00 PM – Gates open to public 4:00 – 9:00 PM
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Food Vendors
3:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Bounces Houses for kids
3:00 – 8:00 PM – Crazy X Band
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM Car Show on Launch Field
6:00 PM – Balloon Launch Once Launch occurs the Tethered Rides will begin.
Dusk (between 7:45 – 8:45 PM) ……. Balloon Glow
What to Expect at Quad Cities Balloon Festival
Balloon Rides
Get a chance of a lifetime with a tethered ride in one of many balloons that will be on display at this year’s festival. Weather Permitting.
Night Glow
See the amazing sight of all the balloons at night while the flames glow to display their beautiful colors. Make sure your cameras are ready.