There is something truly magical about seeing a brightly colored hot air balloon floating across the sky. We found several events in Indiana where you can experience the magic of ballooning up close and watch in wonder as balloons fill the sky. Check out these family-friendly events that are spectacular displays of the ballooning season in Indiana.
Hot Air Balloon Festivals and Events in Indiana
Indianapolis and Central Indiana have some amazing hot air balloon events! However, if the local functions don’t fit your schedule, we encourage you to venture out to festivals in other parts of the state. You never know what surprises you might find on your adventures.
Richmond Bloom and Glow
June 4, 6:30-9:30 pm
Richmond Rose Garden, 2200 East Main Street, Richmond
This annual fundraiser for the Richmond Rose Garden celebrates the first bloom of the roses with a balloon glow. Starting in the early evening, you can take in the sights of the 1200+ rose plants as you stroll the gardens while listening to music and enjoying food and drink stations set throughout. As night falls, five hot air balloons will start to fill and glow to add to the incredible ambiance of the gardens.
Cost: Watching the balloons from outside the rose garden is free. Tickets to enjoy festivities inside are $40 for garden entrance and gourmet catered food.
Fly Out and Glow
June 19, 7:30-10 pm
Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne
At this event in Fort Wayne, balloons will fly out and return to the Allen County Fairgrounds. They inflate during the evening and illuminate along with music during the balloon glow. There will not be tethered balloon rides at this event, but you will be able to get within 10-15 feet of the balloons to explore them and meet the pilots. Other activities available include water races, carnival rides, midway games, monster truck rides, live music, and more.
Cost: Free admission before 2 pm. $10 per person fair admission after 2 pm, children aged 5 and under free.
Hot Air Balloons at Urban Apples
June 27, 7-10 pm
Urban Apples, 18326 Spring Mill Road, Westfield
Urban Apples, a family-friendly cidery just north of Indy, is offering tethered hot air balloon rides for one night only! Midwest Balloon Rides provides the fun and tickets can be purchased onsite. Guests can also enjoy live music throughout the event and purchase cider and food from Urban Apples’ menu. We love the $1 kids’ soft serve ice cream cones!
Cost: $20 per person if paying cash, additional $1 for Venmo payments.
Rock and Glow, Balloon Glow and Concert
June 28, 2-11 pm
Charlestown Little League Park, 152 Steve Hamilton Drive, Charlestown
Get an epic birds-eye view of Charlestown from the sky with a tethered balloon ride. Enjoy live music from the stage and check out some of the food and craft vendors on site. Other activities available for the kids include games and a bounce house. Once the sun sets, watch the balloons light up for the balloon glow.
Cost: Tethered Balloon Rides are $15 for adults, $10 for children
Hendricks County Ribfest
June 28, 10 am-10 pm
Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, 1900 East Main Street, Danville
As the name denotes, there will be plenty of food options at this event. During the day, there are many activities to enjoy, including 65 craft vendors, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and a Heritage Expo, which features foods and fashions from various countries. There will also be a 5K Rib Run/ Walk, with a shorter version for ages 1-12, called the “Riblet Run” which lasts a quarter mile. At approximately 8:45, the hot air balloon glow begins and at dark, fireworks will also illuminate the sky for a dazzling display. Hot air balloon rides are not available at this event.
Cost: Free entrance, Parking $10
Angola Balloons Aloft
July 11-12, 7 am-Twilight
Angola High School, 350 South John McBride Avenue, Angola
This balloon festival takes place over three days. In addition to hot air balloon activities, there will be a car show, live band, food vendors, and archery tag. For a fee, helicopter rides are available at this event, as well as a kids’ zone featuring 10 inflatables. On Saturday, there will be a high-performance kite team performing aerial effects, as well as a mobile gaming lounge to add to the experience.
Illuminations, or Balloon Glows, will take place on Friday and Saturday nights, just in time to soak in the setting sun. During the illuminations, balloons will inflate but not leave the ground. Flights to watch will be available earlier in the day, but no balloon rides will be available at this event. In addition to traditionally shaped balloons, there are several special, shaped balloons scheduled to appear, including Ellie the Elephant, Yellow Bird and Puddy Cat, Tom Cat and Terry Mouse, Smiley Scarecrow, and Cynthia Seal. Be sure to pack a lawn chair or blanket for seating.
Cost: Free admission and parking. Helicopter rides are $50, All-day Kids’ Zone bracelets are $25
Indiana State Fair Hot Air Balloon Race
August 2, 6:45 am
Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Lottery Grandstand, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
Enjoy a magical sunrise at the fairgrounds as the hot air balloons take flight. Cheer for your favorite as pilots race to the finish line. Experience all the fun and excitement of the Indiana State Fair after the big race! Make it a date or explore our favorite free activities for kids.
Cost: Free with Fair admission
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival at Conner Prairie
Sept 5-7, Times Vary
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
This is Indiana’s largest balloon festival, with over 40 hot air balloons on display. This festival includes live music, food options, a balloon race, and a balloon glow. Additional activities for kids include bounce houses, dry tubing hills, a sunflower field, and a corn maze to explore. During this event, guests are encouraged to view the dazzling display of the balloons up close and meet the pilots to ask all their questions about ballooning. Rides are not available.
Cost: General Admission tickets go on sale in late July. Children 2 and under are FREE.
Honorable Mention:
The 1859 Balloon Voyage at Conner Prairie celebrates the 1859 launch of Jupiter, the first successful airmail delivery by hot air balloon. The balloon flies up to 370 feet in the air, with rides typically lasting ten to fifteen minutes from start to finish. Unlike traditional hot air balloons, this one is inflated with helium instead of propane. There is a net and guardrail surrounding the gondola, making this a safe and family-friendly experience for all ages. Rides on this tethered Balloon Ride are available at Connor Prairie as weather permits. This experience is stationed at Conner Prairie and WILL be available during the Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival.
Kiwanis Balloon Fest
Sept 26-27, Times TBD
Lawrence County Fairgrounds, 11265 US 50, Bedford
At this event, you can expect balloon launches and glows, providing a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience the wonder of ballooning. Helicopter rides will be offered for a fee. In addition, Friday night features pyrotechnic skydivers, and on Saturday, there will be fireworks. Both nights feature live music, with amusement rides and food vendors as part of the festivities.
Cost: TBD (2024 ticket price was $30)
Hot Air Balloon Events We Hope To See Return
The following events have been held in the past but have not announced dates for 2025. This list will be updated as more information is available.
Annual Madison Regatta Balloon Glow
Riverboat Inn & Suites, 906 East 1st Street, Madison
As part of the celebration for the annual Madison Regatta, enjoy the magic of the hot air balloons glowing to light up the skies, and get a vantage point like no other on the Ohio River when you experience a tethered hot air balloon ride at this location.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Cornerstone Lutheran Church Eagle Creek, 6100 N Raceway Rd, Indianapolis
Cornerstone Lutheran Church’s event is full of free fun and activities. See hot air balloons and even hop in the basket for a free tethered ride! Besides the balloons, families can enjoy bounce houses, a clown, a magician, cookie decorating, and more. All activities are free to the public.
Summer is packed with family-friendly festivals around Indianapolis!
Beat the heat with a sweet treat.
For more aviation-themed fun, try these Indianapolis airplane activities.
