(ANGOLA) - Angola Balloons Aloft begins Friday at Angola High School, but the tentative early morning dawn patrol flight will not take place.
A media flight remains scheduled for 7 a.m. Friday, wind and weather permitting. WLKI will be a part of the media flight. Organizers will announce the launch location after the pilots' morning safety briefing.
Public balloon flights are scheduled for approximately:
- 7 p.m. Friday
- 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday
- 7 a.m. Sunday
The Sunday morning flight is the only event scheduled Sunday and will close out the 2026 festival.
All flights and balloon illuminations depend on wind and weather conditions. Pilots meet at 6:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. before each scheduled flight to determine whether conditions are safe.
Organizers warn that calm conditions on the ground do not necessarily mean it is safe to fly. Winds can be much stronger a few hundred feet above the ground, resulting in delays or cancellations.
Flight and illumination decisions will be posted on the Angola Balloons Aloft Facebook page after each pilot briefing. Organizers will not respond to private messages, emails or Facebook comments asking for updates before decisions are made.
Balloons And Entertainment
This year's event celebrates America's 250th birthday and includes:
- 28 competition balloons
- Five special-shape balloons
- Evening balloon glows Friday and Saturday
- Helicopter rides
- Skydiving demonstrations
- Character meet-and-greets
- Free archery tag
- A children's fun zone
- 18 food vendors
Paid hot air balloon rides are available to the public. Information is available at the event information tent or through the festival website.
The balloons inflate and fly only during the morning and evening hours when wind conditions are typically most favorable. They will not be flying or displayed during the day.
Parking And Admission
Admission and parking are free.
General parking is available at Angola Middle School and in the field east of Angola High School.
Accessible parking is available in the lot between Ryan Park Elementary School and the baseball fields. Golf cart shuttles will take visitors to the edge of the pavement near the children's fun zone.
Visitors may also park at Hendry Park Elementary School or Commons Park and walk the trail to the high school.
Organizers recommend arriving early and allowing extra time for parking.
What To Bring -- And What To Leave Home
There is no seating in the food court, so visitors should bring chairs or blankets.
Coolers containing water, pop and snacks are allowed.
Alcohol, smoking, vaping and drones are prohibited on Angola High School property.
Pets should be left at home. Service animals are allowed.
An ATM will be available in front of the high school. Some food vendors accept cash only.
The information tent will be located in front of the high school and will serve as the event's lost-and-found location. Official event shirts will also be available there.