TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Topeka tradition 50-years strong is back for 2025 with some new activities for kids.
Numerous hot air balloon pilots are set to visit Topeka for the 50th annual Huff ‘n Puff event at the city’s Mount Hope balloon field this coming weekend. People can enjoy watching the big hot air balloons float overhead with friends and family at this free event.
Rally Coordinator and President of the Great Plains Balloon Club Lori Hutchinson told 27 News the Huff ‘n Puff tradition is still going strong after half-a-century. She said there will be a total of 22 hot air balloons in Topeka for 2025, lots of food trucks and other vendors to entertain attendees.
“We are one of the very few events that can say that we have 50 consecutive years,” Hutchinson said. “We have been here for fifty years in a row, always the weekend after Labor Day.”
(Photo By: Keith Horinek)
(Photo By: Keith Horinek)
(Photo By: Keith Horinek)
(Photo By: Keith Horinek)
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Huff ‘n Puff last for three days starting on Friday, Sept. 5 and running to Sunday, Sept. 7. A full list of the 2025 events schedule can be found below:
- Friday, Sept. 5.
- 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – balloon flight launch window.
- 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – balloon glow.
- Saturday, Sept. 6.
- 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. – balloon flight launch window.
- 4 p.m. – balloon discovery.
- 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – balloon flight launch window.
- 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – balloon glow.
- Sunday, Sept. 7.
- 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. – balloon launch flight window.
Hutchinson said people can expect to see some new vendors at the event this year and participate in new activities. She said kids can participate in the fun by getting an autograph sheet for balloon pilots to sign that comes with a coloring sheet on the back. Limited edition balloon trading cards will also be available which Hutchinson described as being like “baseball cards but cooler” that people can collect.
Hutchinson encourages people to bring a lawn chair, blanket, cash and some warm clothes to best enjoy the event. Parking for Huff ‘n Puff is in an open field but parking attendants will be present directing vehicles.
“Get there before the National Anthem,” Hutchinson said. “You’ll get your favorite seat on the lawn.”
You can learn more about what to expect at this year’s Huff ‘n Puff by visiting its website or following it on Facebook.
“Come out and enjoy this 50-year Topeka tradition,” Hutchinson said.
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