Lincoln, Illinois Balloons Over 66 Weekend 2026
August 28 @ 8:00 am - August 30 @ 4:00 pm
The Balloons Over 66 Weekend in Lincoln, Illinois, is August 28–29, 2026, including hot air balloon flights and night glows for this year’s 100th Route 66 anniversary celebration. The festival spans multiple locations in Lincoln, combining aerial entertainment with community traditions.
- The Balloon Glow & Flights: The signature hot air balloon night glows take place at Open Arms Christian Fellowship on Illinois Route 10. The weekend features localized balloon flights and launches (dependent on safe, clear weather patterns). The 2026 focus centers on traditional launches, hare-and-hound target tracking, and the stunning evening illumination glows.
- Associated Attractions:
- DockDogs Competition: Canine aquatic high-jumping and retrieving events running through the daytime hours.
- Up in Smoke BBQ Competition: Local and regional pitmasters showcase their best barbecue.
- Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival: Hosted nearby at the Postville Courthouse and VFW on 5th Street, celebrating local heritage.
- Art & Vendor Fairs: Including the Art Fair on Broadway and vendor showcases.
- Live Music & Food: Downtown streets feature local food vendors and evening concerts starting at 8:00 PM.
Detailed Schedule of Events
Friday, August 28, 2026
- All Day: Downtown vendors, food trucks, and local shopping open on the square.
- Daytime–7:00 PM: DockDogs canine competition.
- 6:00 PM: Friday Evening Hot Air Balloon Launch (Weather permitting).
- 8:00 PM: Live music performance by Lick Creek downtown.
- 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Night Balloon Glow at Open Arms Christian Fellowship (Route 10).
- 11:00 PM: Evening activities conclude.
Saturday, August 29, 2026
- 6:15 AM: Morning Hare & Hound Target Balloon Competition.
- 8:00 AM: Balloons Over 66 5K Run (Starts at Lincoln Park District, 1400 Primm Road).
- 10:00 AM: Kids’ Fun Runs at the Lincoln Community High School (LCHS) track; Railsplitter Festival opens at Postville Courthouse.
- Daytime–7:00 PM: DockDogs waves and finals.
- 6:00 PM: Saturday Evening Hot Air Balloon Launch.
- 8:00 PM: Live music performance by Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters.
- 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Evening Balloon Glow at Open Arms Christian Fellowship.
- 11:00 PM: Festival grounds close for the evening.
Sunday, August 30, 2026 (Associated Events)
- 6:15 AM: Sunday Morning Balloon Launch (Pilots aim to fly directly over downtown Lincoln, wind permitting).
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival (Day 2 at Postville Courthouse).
