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Weekend event guide: National Balloon Classic, Wild on Wheels

Let your imagination take flight with these five weekend events.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Summer is slipping by as we speak, so why not make the most of it?

Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in central Iowa to help you round out the last weekend of July. 

Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com

National Balloon Classic

  • When: Friday, July 26, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
  • Where: Memorial Balloon Field (1136 150th Ave., Indianola)
  • Price: $11.50 when purchased online prior to July 26

Hot air balloons will take flight this weekend during this truly iconic Indianola event. Families are invited to bring their picnic blankets or folding chairs and look to the sky for a magical show each night. In addition, the Classic will feature live music every evening. 

Can't make it this weekend? Don't worry: The National Balloon Classic runs every day through Saturday, Aug. 3.

"The Prom"

  • When: Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 27 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. or Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Stoner Theater (221 Walnut St., Des Moines)
  • Price: $24.50
    • $19.50 for students and seniors

The Des Moines Young Artists' Theatre is ready to put on a show! In "The Prom," a small-town high school decides to cancel its prom because a female student wants to bring her girlfriend as her date. Four Broadway stars looking to revamp their image take it upon themselves to save the day, and naturally, chaos ensues. Filled with love, laughter and joy, this production is sure to make you smile. 

RELATED: Des Moines Performing Arts announces 2024-25 Broadway Series

Corn Bred Cornbread Festival

  • When: Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Where: Riverview Park (710 Corning Ave., Des Moines)
  • Price: Free to attend

Be "unapologetically corny" at this family-friendly festival. Led by central Iowa youth, the event aims to bridge the gaps between Iowa's urban and rural cultures to create "1IOWACULTURE." Make sure to check out all the activities, exhibits and performances, and of course, eat some cornbread. Last year, the festival featured 30 varieties of cornbread! 

RELATED: Hip-Hope's Lead-Her-Ship retreat hopes to empower young women of color

Parking Lot Madness

  • When: Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Where: The Picker Knows (1208 Grand Ave., West Des Moines)
  • Price: Free to attend

Head over to The Picker Knows for the business's fourth annual Parking Lot Madness event. This vintage market will feature more than 50 vendors selling everything from clothing and home goods to collectibles and art. Don't make any lunch plans: the event will have local food trucks and a cash bar on site. 

Wild on Wheels

  • When: Sunday, July 28, 3-6 p.m.
  • Where: Brenton Skating Plaza (520 Robert D. Ray Dr., Des Moines)
  • Price: Free

Iowa Wild players are making their first stop on the Wild on Wheels tour! Attendees can enjoy street hockey, corn hole and inflatables. Plus, meet Crash, the Iowa Wild's mascot. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out