TOPEKA (KSNT) – This year marks the 51st annual Huff ‘n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally and will be a free family experience for all those to enjoy.
There are 20 air balloons set to take off in the sky next weekend, which include two special state balloons and two remote-controlled balloons. The festival will take place at the Mount Hope city balloon field at 4700 SW 17th St. in west Topeka.
We spoke to 2026 Huff ‘n Puff Rally Coordinator Lori Hutchinson and she emphasized people should bring their friends and family.
“We encourage people to bring a friend and bring a lawn chair,” Hutchinson said. “There will be many vendors for the kids to keep occupied. There aren’t many things that are free and this event allows people to have fun without spending money.”
Hutchinson also said there will be around 40 vendors in attendance. If people forget their coffee or want to grab a drink or some food, they are welcome to. The event begins on Friday, Sept. 11 and ends on Sunday, Sept 13. The full schedule is listed below:
Pre-Rally Events:
Media Morning Balloon Glow – 5:30 a.m. on Friday Sept. 11
Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
- 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Balloon Flight Launch Window
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Balloon Glow
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. – Balloon Flight Launch Window
- 4 p.m. – Balloon Discovery
- 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Balloon Flight Launch Window
- 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Balloon Glow
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
- 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Balloon Flight Launch Window
September is National Preparedness Month, here’s what to know
Hutchinson said in the morning around half the balloons will take flight during the launch window and at night the balloons will light up and look like lanterns taking to the sky on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The schedule is weather permitting and may be delayed because of adverse conditions. To stay up to date on the status of the schedule, you can follow the Huff ‘n Puff Facebook. You can also learn more about what to expect at this year’s Huff ‘n Puff by visiting its website.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Ben Nash on Facebook : https://tinyurl.com/KSNTBenNash
