Greater Lansing Balloon Festival takes off Saturday

Thursday, Aug. 22 — The Greater Lansing Balloon Festival, a celebration of the sport of hot air ballooning that contributes to local nonprofits including the Lansing Promise scholarship fund, is blasting off again Saturday.  

At $10 a car, visitors can relax on their most comfy blanket or in their favorite lawn chair at the Hope Sports Complex off North Aurelius Road, and gaze at a battalion of hot air balloons peacefully drifting skyward. The balloons will launch in the morning and again in the evening.  

Other activities throughout the day — before the evening balloon launch — include child-friendly inflatable bounce houses, battle ball, food vendors and photo-ops with various mascots. Happendance and Dance Conservatory will provide live entertainment.  

The festival’s website notes that balloon launches, for safety purposes, are entirely dependent on the weather. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs; personal food and drink are allowed – but no outside alcohol, pets, drones or tents are permitted.  

Cleats Bar & Grill will have a designated drinking area for those who need an adult beverage to go with their balloon fun. 

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Greater Lansing Balloon Festival 

$10, Saturday, August 24 

First launch: 7 a.m.

Events begin at 3 p.m. 

Second launch: 7 p.m. 

Hope Sports Complex 

5801 N. Aurelius Rd., Lansing 

greaterlansingballoonfestival.com