16 Sky-High Adventures: Hot Air Balloon Festivals Near Indiana You Need to Experience

Photo by Samuel Wong

Introduction

If you’re in Indiana, you may fear that your dream of soaring in the sky in a hot air balloon will require you to leave the state. But luckily, there are multiple hot air balloon festivals in Indiana!

These unique events allow spectators to experience the one-of-a-kind beauty of hot air balloons flying through the air alongside other fun, family-friendly activities.

Check out any one of these 16 best hot air balloon festivals in and around Indiana.

Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest

Dates: October 24-26, 2024

Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds,  Bloomington, IN

Price: Ticket info coming soon

Witness hot air balloons as they fly against the backdrop of the picturesque Monroe County Fairgrounds at the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest from October 24th to 26th, 2024, in Bloomington, IN.

This festival promises a weekend filled with gorgeous sights and plenty of family-friendly fun. Check back for ticket information since this is sure to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Angola Balloons Aloft 

Dates: July 12-13, 2024

Location: Angola, IN

Price: Ticket info coming soon

Angola Balloons Aloft on July 12th and 13th, 2024, in Angola, IN is another great opportunity for balloon enthusiasts and families alike to witness hot air balloons float across the sky. 

Vibrant, colorful hot air balloons will fill the sky above the charming town, creating a truly captivating sight. 

Check back for ticket details as we get closer to this spectacular event.

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival

Dates: September  6 – 8, 2024

Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN

Price: Ticket info coming soon

Get ready for a memorable weekend at the Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival, set against the scenic backdrop of Conner Prairie in Fishers, IN, from September 6th to 8th, 2024. 

Gaze in awe at the captivating sight of hot air balloons ascending into the air and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Keep an eye out for ticket information closer to the event date.

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest (Howell Balloon Fest 2024) Southeast Michigan

Dates: June 28th-30th, 2024. 

Location: Howell High School, 1200 W Grand River Rd.

Price: $5.00 per person; Under 3 years of age: Free

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, also known as the Howell Balloon Fest 2024, will take place from June 28th to 30th, 2024 at Howell High School in Southeast Michigan. 

This festival promises a weekend filled with gorgeous flights of hot air balloons, plus more fun and festivities for the whole family to enjoy. Admission is $5.00 per person, and children under 3 enter for free.

Field of Flight in Battle Creek, MI - Air Show & Balloon Festival (Balloon Festival Battle Creek) Southwest Michigan

Dates: Field of Flight in Battle Creek, MI - Air Show & Balloon Festival is July 3rd-7th, 2024

Location: Battle Creek Executive Airport, 15551 S Airport Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037

Price: Tickets Go On Sale May 2024

Prepare to get into the competitive spirit of the Field of Flight in Battle Creek, MI - Air Show & Balloon Festival, happening from July 3rd to 7th, 2024 at the Battle Creek Executive Airport.

This festival offers an adrenaline-filled opportunity to witness airshows featuring stunt plane flights as well as hot air balloon flights. 

Be sure to mark your calendars for ticket sales opening in May 2024.

Wayland Balloon Fest - Grand Rapids | West Michigan

Dates: September 6-7, 2024

Location: Calkins Field in Wayland, 3755 S Division, Wayland, MI

Price: Ticket info coming soon

Prepare for a memorable weekend of festivities at the Wayland Balloon Fest in Grand Rapids, West Michigan, on September 6th and 7th, 2024 at Calkins Field in Wayland.

While you will have to cross state lines, this festival promises to be well worth the short drive. Check back for ticket information as the event draws closer.

Photo by carlos aranda

Kalamazoo Balloon Fest 2024 | Southwest Michigan 

Dates: TBD August 2024

Location: Gull Meadow Farms

Price: FREE ($5 parking)

Get ready for a breathtaking experience at the Kalamazoo Balloon Fest 2024 in Southwest Michigan at Gull Meadow Farms in August 2024.

Aside from watching the beautiful hot air balloon flights, enjoy the food trucks and family-friendly activities.

The best part of it all is that admission is free! You’ll just need to pay $5 for parking.

Jackson Hot Air Jubilee - Jackson Michigan - South Michigan

Dates: July 19, 20 & 21, 2024

Location: Ella Sharp Park, Jackson, Michigan

Price: FREE

A short drive to Michigan can bring you to the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan. This free event will take place July 19, 20, and 21, 2024.

Aside from plenty of hot air balloon flights, the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee is also home to the US Women’s National Balloon Championship, so you can enjoy that unique competitive experience as well.

Carson City Frontier Days: Hot Air Balloon Flights

Dates: May 31st - June 2nd, 2024

Location: West Park (Fort Frontier)

Price: FREE

A beloved local (and free) event, Carson City Frontier Days in Michigan takes place this year from May 31st - June 2nd, 2024. And it just so happens to be home to a beautiful hot air balloon show.

Enjoy dozens of hot air balloon ascents and a night balloon glow, both of which are certain to provide a unique source of awe and amazement.

Balloons Over 66 Weekend

Dates: August 23-24, 2024

Location: 700 Broadway St, Lincoln, IL, USA

Price: FREE

Not into the Michigan scene? Try Illinois, home to Balloons Over 66 Weekend, set to take place August 23-24, 2024.

This enchanting festival offers attendees a weekend full of free hot air balloon festivities, making it a great family-friendly outing. 

Be sure to mark your calendars, you don't want to miss this opportunity to witness the beauty of hot air balloons for free.

Balloons over Vermilion

Dates: July 12-13, 2024

Location: Vermilion Regional Airport, Danville, Illinois

Price: Ticket info coming soon

Get in on the beautiful spectacle of Balloons Over Vermilion on July 12th and 13th, 2024, at Vermilion Regional Airport in Danville, Illinois. 

This festival offers a unique opportunity to witness colorful hot air balloons taking flight, soaring through the sky against the backdrop of the stunning Vermilion County countryside. 

We’ll keep you posted on ticket information as this exciting event draws near.

Champaign County Balloon Festival

Dates: TBD

Location: 1501 N Mattis Ave, Champaign

Price: Ticket info coming soon

The Champaign County Balloon Festival, coming soon to 1501 N Mattis Ave in Champaign, is sure to be a memorable experience for all. 

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Champaign County, this festival offers spectators mesmerizing hot air balloon displays and a huge variety of family-friendly entertainment. Check back for ticket details as the date gets closer.

Gaslight Festival Balloon Glow

Dates: September 13-15, 2024

Location: Skyview Park in Jeffersontown, Kentucky

Price: Ticket info coming soon

You certainly don’t want to miss the truly enchanting Gaslight Festival Balloon Glow from September 13th to 15th, 2024, at Skyview Park in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. 

This event is part of the larger Gaslight Festival and features vibrant, gorgeous hot air balloons lighting up the night sky, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for all.

Come back for more info on tickets soon.

L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow

Dates: April 25-27, 2024

Location: Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd, Louisville,KY

Price: $7 Pegasus Pin; $10 at the event entrance

Get ready for some serious excitement at the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow from April 25th to 27th, 2024, at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Watch on in awe while hot air balloons illuminate the night sky, creating a dazzling display of lights. 

Admission is $7 with a Pegasus Pin or $10 at the event entrance, offering affordable fun for the whole family.

Photo by Morgan Von Gunten

All Ohio Balloon Fest Home

Dates: August 8-10, 2024

Location: Union County Airport, 15000 Weaver Road, Marysville, OH

Price: Thursday Aaron Lewis General Admission - $39.99

Friday General Admission - $19.99

Saturday General Admission - $11.99

The All Ohio Balloon Fest Home from August 8th to 10th, 2024, at Union County Airport in Marysville, Ohio is sure to be an unforgettable weekend. 

This event offers a few different admission options including Thursday's Aaron Lewis General Admission for $39.99, Friday General Admission for $19.99, and Saturday General Admission for $11.99.

Soak up the gorgeous sights of hot air balloons floating across Ohio’s wide open skies.

Ashland BalloonFest

Dates: June 27 – June 29, 2024

Location: Freer Field, 1238 Park St, Ashland, OH

Price: FREE

Another Ohio event worth the drive is the Ashland BalloonFest, taking place from June 27th to 29th, 2024, at Freer Field in Ashland, Ohio. 

This FREE family-friendly festival promises quite a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. Bask in the festive energy while colorful hot air balloons fill the sky above Ashland's scenic landscapes.

Conclusion

You can find plenty of beautiful hot air balloon festivals in and around Indiana. With so many free options in and out of state, you have no reason to not check out one of these celebrations of today’s modern marvels in flight!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a hot air balloon ride cost in Indiana?

A hot air balloon ride costs around $300 to $400 in Indiana.

What is the best month to launch a hot air balloon?

Generally, the months of May-September are known as the best months to launch a hot air balloon.

What is the most famous hot air balloon festival?

The International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the most famous and the biggest hot air balloon festival in the US.

What is the hot air balloon capital of the United States?

Albuquerque, New Mexico is considered the hot air balloon capital of the United States.

Why are hot air balloon rides so expensive?

Hot air balloons require a special pilot’s license to fly and use a lot of fuel, and the fuel cost can fluctuate, leading to higher and ever-changing hot air balloon ride prices. For more info, read our breakdown on why are hot air balloon rides so expensive