Indiana’s largest balloon festival is floating back into Fishers. The Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival returns to Conner Prairie September 11–13, 2026, with a weekend of hot air balloons, balloon competitions, evening glows, food, drinks and family activities.
The festival is one of those Central Indiana events that sounds fun on paper, then makes a lot more sense once you are standing under a glowing hot air balloon with kids running through the grass and everyone staying up later than planned. We have attended Jupiter Flights the past two years with a large group of cousins, kids ranging in age from 3 months to 8 years old and grandparents along for the night. It has become one of our favorite early fall traditions.
Ticket note: Ticket prices have not been posted yet. Conner Prairie lists member presale beginning July 28 and general admission tickets going on sale July 30. Full festival times are also coming soon.
Why Jupiter Flights Works for a Big Family Group
One of the best things about Jupiter Flights is that it works for a wide range of ages without everyone needing to do the same thing at the same time. In our group, the 3-month-old mostly slept, the older kids bounced between the Kids Zone, bounce houses, playground and giant hill, and the grandparents were perfectly happy hanging around the picnic area until it was time for the show.
That kind of setup matters when you are trying to plan something with multiple families. Nobody was stuck entertaining kids in a long line all evening. The kids had space to move, the adults had a place to sit and the night felt flexible enough that everyone could enjoy it in their own way.
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Our favorite home base has been the big hill overlooking the sunflower field. It gives kids room to move, gives adults a place to sit and puts everyone close enough to the action without feeling packed in right away. The hill also became the unofficial headquarters for the older kids, who pretty much never left what they called the “sledding hill.”
What Kids Can Do Before the Balloons Glow
The balloon glow happens later in the evening, so the pre-glow time matters, especially with younger kids. In past years, our kids have spent that window bouncing between the Kids Zone, bounce houses, playground and open play areas. The playground was packed, but in a good way, with plenty of kids running, climbing and burning off energy before the evening slowed down.
Conner Prairie lists food and drinks as part of the festival, with options ranging from pizza and doughnuts to pulled pork and burgers. Our group brought picnic-style food and also visited the food trucks, which ended up being part of the fun. Everyone, kids and grandparents included, found something they wanted.
The Balloon Glow Is the Main Event
Once the sun starts to drop, the energy shifts toward the balloon field. The first time we attended, everything went off without an issue, and the full balloon glow was one of those moments that made all the packing, parking and late bedtime feel worth it.
Standing near the balloons once they are fully inflated is the part that photos do not really capture. The balloons are huge, colorful and close enough that kids can understand the scale in a way they cannot from a picture. In past years, guests were able to walk near the balloons during the glow, meet pilots and see the burners light up the fabric from below.
Our second year was a good reminder that hot air balloon events depend heavily on weather. There was stronger wind, and the balloon glow was delayed a few times. The mood still stayed surprisingly good. Since the balloons could not fully inflate right away, many of the baskets kept lighting their flames, creating a beautiful glow across the field even before the full balloon glow could happen.
As it got later, about half of our group decided it was time to get kids to bed. We stayed, and eventually about half the balloons were able to inflate and light up the sky. Even without the full version of the event, we still thought the night was worth the effort. There were enough other things to do, enough space to hang out and enough atmosphere that it still felt like a special evening.
A Parent Safety Tip for After Dark
This event is family-friendly and well organized, but it can get crowded once it gets dark. The sunflower field, playground and balloon area are especially easy places to lose sight of a child for a few seconds, which is more than enough time to raise your blood pressure.
One year, a vendor kindly let us borrow a pen so we could write a parent’s phone number on the kids’ arms. Thankfully, we did not need it, but it was a simple step that made the rest of the evening feel a little calmer. A designated meeting spot, glow bracelets or a quick photo of each child before heading into the crowd can also help.
First-Timer Tips for Jupiter Flights
Bring chairs or a blanket. There is plenty of open space, and Conner Prairie says guests may bring their own chairs and blankets. Families can bring a picnic, buy dinner from food vendors or do both.
Pick a home base. For a group with kids and grandparents, having one picnic spot made the night much easier. The kids could run back and forth to nearby activities, while the adults had a place to regroup.
Arrive early once times are announced. Parking, favorite picnic spots and kid-friendly areas fill in as the evening goes on. Getting there on the early side gives kids time to play before the balloon glow becomes the focus.
Dress for grass, walking and weather. Jupiter Flights is an outdoor event spread across Conner Prairie’s grounds. Comfortable shoes matter, and layers are smart for a September evening.
Know that balloons depend on weather. Hot air balloons are sensitive to wind, rain, storms and changing conditions. Conner Prairie says balloon activities may be delayed, changed or canceled if weather affects safety. If a launch cannot happen, the glow may still take place if conditions are safe. If even that is not possible, Conner Prairie may shift to a “Twinkle,” with baskets and burners creating an up-close ground experience.
Keep bedtime expectations loose. Some families may decide to leave before the final glow, especially with toddlers or early bedtimes. Others may want to wait it out. The nice thing about this event is that there is enough going on before the balloons that the evening can still feel worthwhile, even if the weather changes the balloon schedule.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival 2026 Event Details
- Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038
- Dates: September 11–13, 2026
- Ticket sales: Member presale begins July 28. General admission tickets go on sale July 30.
- Ticket prices: Information coming soon
- Festival times: Information coming soon
- Official website: Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival at Conner Prairie
Evening Balloon Glows
Conner Prairie lists nightly balloon glows as part of the 2026 Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival. These evening events are the best fit for families who want the full festival atmosphere, with food, music, activities and balloons lighting up after dark.
Balloon Competitions
Conner Prairie says Jupiter Flights includes balloon competitions throughout the weekend. Full competition times have not been posted yet, so families should check the official schedule before choosing a date, especially if the balloon races are the main reason for the visit.
We are already planning to attend again this year. We hope the weather cooperates for the full glow, of course, but after seeing how much fun our group had even with wind delays, this is one of those events we would still put on the calendar either way.
