Hot air balloons over downtown, live music on three stages and a fireworks finale give families plenty to see at Fire Up DWNTWN. The free festival returns Saturday, Aug. 1, with special-shape balloons, children’s activities, food vendors, contests and entertainment spread throughout downtown Muncie.
Fire Up DWNTWN runs from noon to 10 p.m., leaving plenty of time to explore the afternoon activities before the balloons inflate and light up at dusk. General admission is free, although tethered balloon rides, the zip line and several other attractions require separate tickets.
Related Article: See more Indiana hot air balloon festivals worth adding to the calendar.
Special-shape hot air balloons and tethered rides
The hot air balloons are the main attraction, with special shapes scheduled to inflate at several locations throughout downtown Muncie from 6 to 10 p.m. The lineup includes Parrot Pete, Chris P Bacon, Finley the Fish, Lil D and Ellie the Elephant.
Families can find balloons at Canan Commons, the Lofts at Roberts parking lot, the Mark III parking lot and the Old National Bank lot. A giant Cloudhopper balloon is also scheduled to attempt an ascent above the festival crowd.
Tethered hot air balloon rides are scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. at Canan Commons and The Clubhouse parking lot near Walnut and Main streets. Tickets were $20 per person in 2025, but the 2026 price has not been confirmed. Because the balloon remains secured to the ground, the ride provides a brief view above the festival rather than a full balloon flight.
At dusk, families can watch the Balloon Glow Show and a scheduled balloon flyover above downtown. Twinkle Baskets at the Walnut Street roundabout provide a closer look at balloon baskets and the heat from their burners without leaving the ground.
Good to know: Balloon inflation, tethered rides, the Cloudhopper ascent, glow and flyover all depend on safe wind and weather conditions. Families driving from Indianapolis should check the official Fire Up DWNTWN event page for updates before leaving home.
Children’s activities at Fire Up DWNTWN
Children’s activities begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening near Canan Commons. The kids area, hosted by Delta Baseball Club, is scheduled from 1 to 10 p.m. and includes a Toy Story bounce house, Fire Combo inflatable and Wall of Fire. The kids area is ticketed.
The Red Hot Children’s Express Train carries young festivalgoers around Canan Commons from 1 to 6 p.m. A rock wall and Euro bungee are also scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. at The Clubhouse parking lot.
One of the more memorable activities may be the police-versus-fire water balloon fight. Children can join Muncie police officers and firefighters at Canan Commons from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Other family activities include yard games, an inflatable costume relay, line dancing and aerial performances. The Academy of Model Aeronautics will present model aircraft demonstrations and provide free balsa wood planes for children.
A new ticketed zip line is also planned, while Muncie Performance RC will lead a radio-controlled car racing demonstration. Families should check the official event map for attraction locations, age requirements and additional pricing.
Live music, contests and food vendors
Live entertainment begins at 1 p.m. and continues throughout the day on three downtown stages.
The Ivy Tech Stage at Canan Commons and the Freaky Tiki Stage on South Walnut Street will feature local and regional musicians. The Cardinal Community Stage at Walnut and Main streets will host Rock Star Bingo, performances and the second round of the DWNTWN IDOL singing competition.
The contest schedule includes a rib-eating showdown between Muncie police officers and firefighters, along with a hot pepper eating contest. Parents who prefer to watch other people reconsider their choices can safely remain in the audience.
Food vendors will serve barbecue, ribs, tacos, ice cream, baked goods and other festival food throughout the day. Downtown restaurants and shops are also planning specials, demonstrations and activities tied to the event.
For more warm-weather ideas closer to home, visit our guide to summer activities around Indianapolis.
More activities around downtown Muncie
The festival covers several downtown blocks, with attractions extending beyond Canan Commons and Walnut Street. Families can watch the Liquid Fire Iron Pour, browse handmade items from Muncie Makers Market vendors and check out the motorcycle show, Jeep cruise-in and car displays.
Fire spinners and LED dancers will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. near the DeFur Voran entrance.
Families can also participate in the DWNTWN Duck Drop. Rubber ducks cost $5 each, and every duck purchased comes with a chance to win prizes from downtown merchants or the $500 grand prize.
Fireworks are scheduled after the Balloon Glow Show, closing the festival over downtown Muncie.
Plan your visit to Fire Up DWNTWN
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
- Time: Noon to 10 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Muncie, including Canan Commons, Walnut Street and surrounding blocks
- Admission: Free; some attractions require separate tickets
- Tethered balloon rides: Ticketed; rides cost $20 per person in 2025, but the 2026 price has not been confirmed
- DWNTWN Duck Drop: $5 per duck
- Good to know: The festival covers several downtown blocks, so expect to walk between attractions. Balloon activities are weather-dependent, and schedules may change.
- Official website: downtownmuncie.org/fireup
