The Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest is moving to West Boggs Park in Loogootee for two days of hot air balloons, fireworks and family activities. The festival takes place Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29, with morning and evening balloon launches, nightly balloon glows, live music and a long list of things for kids to do between flights.
For Indianapolis families, this is more of a day trip or overnight camping weekend than a quick evening festival. The payoff is a fuller schedule than many balloon events, including tethered rides, pony rides, bounce houses, trackless train rides, crafts, putt-putt and special-shape balloons.
Related Article: Find more Indiana hot air balloon festivals happening this year.
When to see the hot air balloons
The festival includes three scheduled mass launches, plus glows and fireworks after dark.
- Friday evening: Mass launch from 6:30 to 8 p.m., balloon glow from 8:30 to 9 p.m. and a pyrotechnic skydiver scheduled for 10 p.m.
- Saturday morning: Balloons begin unpacking at 7 a.m., with the mass launch scheduled from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m.
- Saturday evening: Mass launch from 6:30 to 8 p.m., balloon glow from 8:30 to 9 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Tethered balloon rides run from 5 to 8 p.m. both days and cost $20 per rider. Tickets are sold near the Smiley balloon tether line.
Hot air balloons answer to the weather, not the printed schedule. Launches, glows and tethered rides can be delayed or canceled because of wind, rain or other conditions. Treat the listed times as targets and check the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest Facebook page before making the drive.
Kids’ activities beyond the balloons
The festival pass includes the Fun Zone with bounce houses, children’s crafts, putt-putt and other family activities. Trackless train rides run both days, and pony rides are available for an additional charge.
Friday’s schedule includes Smokey Bear meet-and-greets, a golf cart parade, robotics activities and free balloon animals for the first 50 children. Saturday’s lineup includes free kite flying, a youth egg hunt, an all-abilities choir, robotics activities and a booth where children can learn about Braille.
The Teddy Bear Mobile visits from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, with a free stuffed animal for the first 50 children. After those are gone, additional stuffed animals may be available for purchase.
Live bands perform throughout both days, and food vendors, commercial vendors and a beer and wine garden are open during much of the festival. Saturday evening also includes a Jeep Show and Shine from 6 to 10 p.m.
Ticket prices and what admission includes
Festival admission is sold by vehicle size and is valid for one day. A vehicle carrying up to nine passengers costs $25 in advance or $30 at the gate. Vehicles carrying 10 or more passengers cost $90 in advance or $100 at the gate.
Admission includes the balloon launches and glows, live music, the Fun Zone, bounce houses, arts and crafts, putt-putt and fireworks viewing. Tethered balloon rides, pony rides and purchases from food, beverage and craft vendors cost extra.
Advance passes are available through the West Boggs Camplife Store.
Before you go
Guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets for the concerts and balloon viewing. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, so plan to purchase meals and snacks from the vendors.
Camping at West Boggs Park requires a separate reservation. The park has reservable RV and tent sites as well as rental cabins, and sites fill quickly on festival weekends, so book before you go. Reservations can be made through the West Boggs Park camping page.
Organizers have also announced a golf scramble and photo contest, though registration details for both have not been published yet. The festival schedule is marked tentative, so Facebook remains the best source for last-minute changes.
Plan your visit
- Dates: Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
- Hours: Friday 4–11 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Location: West Boggs Park, 16117 U.S. 231, Loogootee, IN 47553
- Admission: Up to nine passengers, $25 advance or $30 at the gate per day; 10 or more passengers, $90 advance or $100 at the gate per day
- Tethered balloon rides: $20 per rider
- Event information: Kiwanis Club Hot Air Balloon Festival at West Boggs Park
- Tickets: Purchase an advance festival pass
- Updates: Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest on Facebook
The event raises money for the Kiwanis Club of South Central Indiana. The club supports local schools, scholarships, winter coats, backpacks, playgrounds and other programs serving children in the community.
