What to know about this weekend's Balloons Over 66 event in Lincoln

Zach Roth, State Journal-Register
·4 min read

The skies over Logan County will be filled with the colorful sights of hot air balloons this weekend, as the city hosts its annual Balloons Over 66 event.

Founded in 1988 as the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival, the event has evolved into a sort of street party featuring anything from barbecue competitions to car shows to musical performances, in addition to the sights of seeing all the hot air balloons.

With another year of big, bold balloons coming to Lincoln, here's a look at what people should expect from this year's celebration.

What is Balloons Over 66?

Balloons over 66 is the second iteration of the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival, which was held for 26 years as a combination of two separate festivals. Balloons were added in 1988 to a pre-existing art show held over the summer in Lincoln.

By 2015, the balloons had become a big enough event on their own that they were split off from the art show. However, in 2018, the festival wasn't held because the Lincoln-Logan Chamber of Commerce shut down. A group of committed citizens decided not to allow the festival to die and in 2019, Balloons Over 66 was born.

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When is it being held this year?

The festivities kick off Friday – Aug. 26 – with the launching of 37 balloons from four separate sites across Lincoln. Those sites are:

Balloons will be launched at 6 p.m., the first of three balloon launches throughout the weekend. The second launch is scheduled for Saturday morning at 6 a.m., with the final launch taking place at 6 p.m. Saturday night.

How much do I have to pay to get in?

All events are free, including events scheduled alongside the balloon launches.

What kind of events are happening?

Organizers have scheduled a series of different community events to take place in conjunction with and alongside the balloon launches. These include:

  • Lincoln Art Fair, Friday from 5-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. outside the Lincoln Arts Institute in downtown Lincoln. 25 artists are scheduled to appear, showing off and selling a wide range of creative items. The institute will also be displaying the brand new Moses Pinkerton gallery on the building's third floor.

  • Lincoln Public Library's "Buck-a-Bag" Book Sale, Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. People can fill an entire bag of books for $1 each. Bags will be provided by Lincoln IGA.

  • Children's activities in Latham Park, Friday from 5-8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Event sponsored by the Open Arms Christian Fellowship, who will be providing games and hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.

  • Railsplitter Antique Auto Club Car Show, Friday and Saturday, 5-9 p.m. in downtown Lincoln. Streets along South Kickapoo and North McLean Streets have been closed to facilitate this and other events.

  • Balloons Over 66 5K, 8 a.m. Saturday from the Lincoln Park District to Scully Park. Formerly known as the Run Hog Wild 5K, this event allows people the chance to have a relaxing, fun and competitive 5K with friends and family. Any one willing to participate must register in advance, with a $30 surcharge for those that enter.

  • Craft and vendor fair at The OASIS, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Alongside a bratwurst feed from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • The Up in Smoke Backyard BBQ Competition in downtown Lincoln. Teams of experienced pitmasters from across the country compete to see who has the tangiest smoked meats.

  • Dock Dogs shows, Friday-Saturday in downtown Lincoln. The canine water competition descends on Lincoln for four Friday shows – at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. and five shows Saturday – at 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.

Tell me more about the Balloon Glow

Saturday night, each of the balloons will light up in a spectacular showing of color and light. The event begins at 8 p.m. this year at each of the four launch sites.

Any musical accompaniment to the balloons?

Three live music shows will be held at the main stage in downtown Lincoln, with BIG SUNS performing at 7 p.m. Friday, the Thornhill Duo gracing the stage at 3 p.m. Saturday and Stereo Typical coming on stage at 8 p.m. Saturday night.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Balloons Over 66 2022 event in Lincoln, Illinois: What to know