Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival
Aug. 22-24 – 3:30-11 p.m. Friday, 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
The Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival is two huge festivals in one that takes place at two locations in Lincoln the weekend of Aug. 22-24. Located a quick 30 miles north of Springfield via I-55, Lincoln’s exit 126 takes you straight to the airport.
Located southeast of the airport, downtown around the courthouse square is where the art part of the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival is held. The Logan County airport is where the balloon part takes place. But this festival isn’t just about art and hot air balloons. Each location has numerous offerings.
The free fine art fair, held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Latham Park, is partner to a children’s art fair where kids can make and buy art. A huge craft fair and flea market is located at Scully Park from 3-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. There’s also lots of food and drink. In addition to a score of vendors, Kansas City Barbecue Society’s sanctioned barbecue cook-off will have food for purchase both Friday and Saturday. Wine and beer is available 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 12:30- 5 p.m. Sunday at The Art of Wine and Brew tasting area. Eight wineries and two microbreweries will be in attendance.
Musical entertainment throughout the weekend completes the experience. And the Railsplitter Antique Auto Club will have a car cruise-in. You can also find some used books at the Lincoln Public Library Used Book Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at the Lincoln Public Library. If you need a ride to the airport, a free shuttle will be running between downtown and the airport.
Out at the airport, colorful balloons will dazzle you. You’ll want to grab a seat for balloon launches and glows or better yet go for a ride. If you’ve always wanted a ride – you can pay for an early Saturday or Sunday morning ride. Make your reservation via the chamber, 217-735-2385. Rides are available on a first come, first served basis and are $250. Tethered rides are available on Friday and Saturday for $15. Other fun options include watching the hot air balloon launches Friday and Saturday night or Saturday morning or viewing the majestic glows at dusk on Friday and Saturday night. Balloons inflate remaining tethered to the ground as an announcer interacts with the pilots who in turn light up their balloons.
Even though the balloons are the main attraction at the airport, there’s an array of other activities on the grounds. Two great bands play Friday and Saturday evening. Rent a party space and tailgate at the festival or go to the food court or beer and wine garden to watch the balloons. For the family, there’s a carnival with fun games and rock climbing. For only $5, kids can make kites and learn to fly them. Wisconsin Kiters Club will also be flying 30-foot kites on Saturday, Aug. 24, starting at 1 p.m.
For all the details make sure to check out the Lincoln and Logan County Chamber of Commerce website at www.lincolnillinois. com.
