From high-flying hot air balloons to a star-studded music festival, Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in central Iowa this weekend.

DES MOINES, Iowa — August is kicking off with a bang in central Iowa as multiple events are set to draw crowds from around the country. 

From high-flying hot air balloons to a star-studded music festival, Local 5 rounded up five events taking place in central Iowa this weekend. 

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

When: Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2Competition flying begins at 6:30 a.m.Evening balloon flight begins at 6:30 p.m.Where: Memorial Balloon Field (1136 150th Ave., Indianola)Price: $12 in advance, $15 at the gate

Hundreds of hot air balloons will take to the sky this weekend in Indianola. View the colorful display, enjoy live music and even grab a bite to eat at this unique central Iowa event. 

Hinterland Music Festival

When: Friday, Aug. 1,  Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3Gates open at 11:45 a.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Saturday/SundayView set times hereWhere: Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater (3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles)Price: Tickets start at $173.40

Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves and Lana Del Ray are all headed to smalltown Iowa for a weekend fans will never forget. With more than 25 artists to see, festivalgoers can jam out to their heart’s content, visit with local artists and indulge on food and drinks from a variety of vendors. 

Note: Tickets are sold out for Sunday, but may be available via third-party sellers.

If you’ve ever wished you could go to recess as an adult, here’s your chance. Throw it back to elementary school with classic schoolyard games for a nostalgic Friday night twist.

When: Friday, Aug. 1, 6 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 2, 3:30 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 3, 2:30 p.m.Where: Iowa Speedway (3333 Rusty Wallace Dr., Newton)Price: Tickets start at $24.42

NASCAR fans, start your engines: The NASCAR Cup Series is back this weekend. The NASCAR weekend will kick off with the Atlas Roofing 150. Then, on Saturday, the NASCAR XFINITY Series racers will battle it out on the track in the Hy-Vee Perks 250. Finally, on Sunday, Cup Series drivers will race in the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol. 

Note: Tickets are sold out for Sunday, but may be available via third-party sellers.

When: Friday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 2, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 3, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Where: Des Moines Civic Center (221 Walnut St., Des Moines)Price: Tickets start at $40

Based on a true story, “Parade” follows a newlywed Jewish couple as they try to make a life for themselves in Georgia. When the husband, Leo, is accused of a crime, the couple is forced to reckon with faith, justice and devotion. The emotional musical won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and is sure to move fans from all walks of life. 


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