Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Races

08/06/2026

🎈 Why do pilots keep coming back to SWIBR?

For nearly five decades, the Southwest Iowa Balloon Races has been more than just a flying event. It's become a tradition.

From our dedicated volunteers and welcoming community to exciting competition and unforgettable evenings, we're proud to create an experience that pilots look forward to year after year.

And we continue on adding to the fun, there are many new things on the schedule for this year!

Whether this will be your first visit or your fifteenth, we'd love to have you join us for the 48th Annual Southwest Iowa Balloon Races on September 17–20, 2026.

🎈 Pilot registration is open until 9/4/2026!

Register here:
🔗https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=creston2026&v=reg

We can't wait to welcome you to Southwest Iowa!

If you have any questions or issues please contact [email protected] for assistance.

PC: Chuck Spindler Photography

07/28/2026

🎈New Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

We're excited to announce that the Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Races now offers more ways than ever to partner with our event!

While balloon sponsorships continue to be an incredible way to support SWIBR, we've expanded our sponsorship options to give businesses and organizations even more opportunities to be part of this unforgettable community tradition.

Whether you're looking to increase your brand visibility, support a beloved local event, or invest in our community, we'd love to help you find the sponsorship that's right for you.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Send us a message or contact us today for sponsorship details. We can't wait to partner with you!

[email protected]

PC: Chuck Spindler Photography

07/24/2026

2 MONTHS!🎈

The countdown is on! We cannot wait for the 48th Annual Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Races. With new events added to the schedule and an extra day for flying we are so excited!

Stay tuned to learn all about the 48th Annual Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Races! You won't want to miss it!

PC: Chuck Spindler Photography

07/21/2026

🎈 Pilot Registration is NOW OPEN!

The 48th Annual Southwest Iowa Balloon Races is just around the corner, and we're excited to invite pilots to join us September 17–20, 2026, in beautiful Southwest Iowa.

Whether you're a returning pilot or joining us for the first time, you'll experience a weekend of competitive flying, outstanding hospitality, and a community that loves hot air balloons. We can't wait to welcome you for another unforgettable year.

Ready to join us?

🔗 Register here:
https://watchmefly.net/events/event.php?e=creston2026&v=reg

We'll see you in Creston this September! 🎈

PC: Chuck Spindler Photography

04/16/2026

Official Announcement: The News is OUT! 🎈📻

If you were tuned into KSIB Radio 101.3 FM & KOOL 102.1 FM yesterday, you already heard the big secret! For those who couldn't listen in, we are officially ready to share the massive news for this year’s Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Races in Creston!

For the first time ever, we are extending the event to a 4-DAY EVENT! 🚀

🗓 SAVE THE DATES: Thursday, Sept. 17 – Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
📍 LOCATION: Creston, IA

What does an extra day mean for you?
✨ More Flying: More opportunities for our hot air balloon pilots to take to the skies.
✨ Night Glows: More chances to experience the magic of the balloons lighting up the Iowa night.
✨ Community Vibes: Extra time for you and your family to interact with the pilots and get up close with these giants.
✨ Stay Updated: We have even more surprises in the works!

A huge thank you to everyone who tuned into KSIB Radio 101.3 FM & KOOL 102.1 FM to help us kick off this announcement. And the Creston Chamber of Commerce for all they do to support the event! We are so excited to bring more magic to Southwest Iowa this September!

Make sure to FOLLOW this page and turn on notifications so you don't miss the full schedule reveal! 📢

04/15/2026

🎈 BIG NEWS IS TAKING FLIGHT! 🎈

Set those alarms ⏰ and tune your radios 📻 to KSIB 101.3 at 9:45am!

We’ll be spilling ALL the details about the exciting changes coming to Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days in 2026 👀

You won’t want to miss what’s rising on the horizon! 🌅🎈

👉 Tune in. Get excited. Spread the word! KSIB Radio 101.3 FM & KOOL 102.1 FM

03/31/2026

10/21/2025

Congratulations to the Gebhart and Thompson families! Way to bring home No. 1

For the first time ever, an Iowa pilot has won the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

10/16/2025

Carol Hunt Sherman originally from Creston has designed the Creston/SW Iowa Hot Air Balloon Day logo for the T-shirts for many years.
She shares the following: I usually don’t go over on my tshirt designs…but, this one, I am incredibly happy with.the colors, the design. It just works for me.
Thank you to the Creston Chamber of Commerce for giving me this opportunity.

10/03/2025

Check out these great photos from Iowa Skyview Photography from 2025 Balloon Days. More on the website @ https://iaskyviewphotography.com/2025-09-20-creston-balloon-days?fbclid=IwY2xjawNMutBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjczVGTnhzcldqSFl6UnluAR7u_DpLq1IcSzLH5LZGLy4MCLl21SN5MJj3KtzDXdC2Wf4cetmqhqnRIuQT9g_aem_fxog_f--A6mdlUTFoMDjqg Lots of great videos and photos!