Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your One-Stop Party Shop for Balloons & Rentals in Cedar Rapids
Balloons, Etc has been serving the Cedar Rapids community for over 18 years, offering a comprehensive range of party decorations, rental equipment, and entertainment services. Our expertise lies in creating custom balloon designs for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and corporate events, ensuring each occasion is visually striking and memorable. With a vast selection of balloons, including specialty and imprinted options, we pride ourselves on meeting unique client needs through personalized service and creative solutions. Our team of experienced professionals, including Sparkles the Clown with 30 years of entertainment experience, delivers exceptional customer support from initial consultation to event execution.We maintain strict quality standards for all rentals, including cotton candy and sno-kone machines, and enforce clear safety and hygiene protocols to ensure client satisfaction. Located at 420 2nd Avenue SE, we operate as a family-friendly destination for both individual customers and event planners seeking reliable, high-quality party resources.
Services
Balloon Deliveries
Balloon Decor
Party Rentals
Clown Entertainment
Yard Art
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer the largest balloon selection in Iowa with specialty options available.
- Our team includes Sparkles the Clown with 30 years of entertainment experience.
- We provide custom balloon designs for all event types and themes.
- We offer delivery services within Cedar Rapids and Marion during business hours.
- We maintain strict safety protocols for all rental equipment and concessions.
What people say
Friendly atmosphere
Helpful staff
Memorable events
Great party embellishments
Largest balloon selection
Services
Balloon Decor
We create custom balloon arches, garlands, and sculptures for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. Our experienced team designs eye-catching displays using premium latex and mylar balloons in hundreds of color combinations. Clients receive personalized consultations to ensure decorations match event themes and venue specifications.
Party Rentals
We offer cotton candy machines, sno-kone machines, and helium tanks for rent with delivery options available. All rentals include safety instructions and required accessories. Our equipment rental agreements specify cleaning requirements and payment terms to ensure smooth event execution for clients in Cedar Rapids and Marion.
Clown Entertainment
Sparkles the Clown provides balloon twisting, magic shows, and comedy performances for children's parties and community events. With 30 years of experience, our entertainment services include holiday characters like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Bookings require advance reservations due to high demand during peak seasons.
Balloon Deliveries
We deliver custom balloon arrangements to homes, businesses, and event venues in Cedar Rapids and Marion. Standard delivery fees apply during regular business hours with quotes available for after-hours or out-of-town deliveries. All balloon orders require full payment in advance to guarantee availability.
Yard Art
Our balloon yard art creations add festive visual appeal to residential properties and business locations. Available for birthdays, holidays, and special promotions, these large-scale decorations feature durable materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Clients receive installation guidance and rental terms for extended display periods.
People
Sparkles the Clown
Entertainer
With 30 years of experience since 1986, Sparkles the Clown specializes in balloon artistry, comedy magic, and juggling performances for Cedar Rapids events. Known for creating joyful atmospheres at birthdays and community gatherings.
Jacob Cowger
Balloon Artist
As one half of The Balloon Buffoons, Jacob brings 25+ years of professional balloon twisting experience to create intricate sculptures for festivals, school carnivals, and private events across Iowa.
Kimberly Cowger
Balloon Artist
Co-founder of The Balloon Buffoons with 25+ years of expertise in crafting balloon creations that delight audiences at local markets, community events, and corporate functions throughout the Cedar Rapids area.
Questions
What party services do you offer?
We provide custom balloon decor, party rentals (cotton candy/sno-kone machines), clown entertainment, and yard art installations for events in Cedar Rapids and Marion.
Do you deliver balloons?
Yes, we offer delivery within Cedar Rapids and Marion during business hours for a $10 fee. After-hours or out-of-town deliveries require advance quotes.
What rental equipment is available?
We rent cotton candy machines, sno-kone machines, helium tanks, and red air dancers. All rentals require full payment upfront and include safety guidelines.
How do I book entertainment?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule Sparkles the Clown, The Balloon Buffoons, Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny. Early booking recommended for holidays.
What are your rental return policies?
Rental equipment must return clean by noon the next business day. Dirty machines incur a $35 cleaning fee. No refunds on unused concession supplies.
Reviews (5)
Dee Balls
Dec 25, 2021
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Rented a costume on Saturday October 30th at 730 pm. The rental was for three days. Employee that rented to us told us return on Tuesday. Sat to sunday =1 day Sunday to Monday =2 days Monday to Tuesday =3 days. No other way around it. They charged a late fee and have been the worst people. Do not rent from these scammers.
Ward Fulmer
Oct 23, 2021
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Jacob was awesome helping me out with face paint in contact colored lenses highly recommend Shopping there
Lara Moellers
Dec 11, 2020
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This place can do it all! Great selection of costumes and accessories, both for purchase and rent. High quality costume makeup that won't make your face break out or rip the top layer off! Halloween decor I can't find anywhere else! The owners Jacob and Kimberly are incredibly knowledgeable and willing to put in the time and effort to help you find exactly what you need. Cost is higher than Target, Wal-Mart, and Spirit Halloween but you get what you pay for and the stuff you get from Balloons Etc isn't going to break or rip after one use! P.S.- Their balloon selection and arrangements are insanely good and make the best gift. Last way longer than flowers and the joy on the recipient's face is radiant!
Abbie Stolte
Jun 23, 2020
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I cannot give enough Kudos to Balloons Etc. We ordered 8 balloon bouquets for an event at the Lisbon School on Tuesday the 29th and they are still beautiful on Friday! The delivery was on time, the driver was friendly the balloons were a hit! Thank you so much! Will definitely do business with you again.
Amber Ciesielski
Jun 18, 2017
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We went here for a simple hoop skirt for prom and it was my kids greatest time in a shop ever. The gentleman helped us with his quick knowledge and service. He then went above and beyond by making all of us balloons and we have five people. It's was a great time and we will defiantly be back thank you so much for taking your time to make it extra special for us and to show my little kids that extra attention as they didn't want to shop anymore. It was an outstanding time for a medial task thanks again.
