exploring indiana

Some family outings are free because they are small. Angola Balloons Aloft is not that kind of free. The northern Indiana hot air balloon festival brings more than 25 balloons to Angola High School for a weekend of balloon launches, evening balloon illuminations, food vendors, kids activities, a classic car show and more. Admission and parking are free, which helps soften the fact that Angola is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Indianapolis. For families willing to make the trip, this is one of those summer events that feels bigger than the price tag. The main costs are gas, food and any optional activities once you are there. Related: See more Indiana hot air balloon festivals. When Is Angola Balloons Aloft? Angola Balloons Aloft runs Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, 2026, at Angola High School, with a final balloon launch Sunday morning, July 12. The festival grounds, vendors and kids activities are open Friday and Saturday only. Sunday is limited to the morning balloon launch, so families planning a full festival visit should aim for Friday evening or Saturday. Like all hot air balloon events, the best parts are also the most weather-dependent. Balloon launches can be delayed or canceled because of wind, rain, storms, fog or other conditions. That is not a small-print detail here. If the balloons are the whole reason for the drive, check the festival's official updates before leaving Indy. What Families Will Find at the Festival The biggest draw is the balloon schedule. Competition flights are planned for 7 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday. The Friday and Saturday evening balloon illuminations happen at twilight, when the balloons light up on the field. The festival also includes special-shape balloons, food vendors, free archery tag and targets, skydivers, live music and a classic car show. Saturday has the fullest daytime schedule, including the car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab from 1 to 3 p.m. and character appearances from 2 to 4 p.m. For younger kids, the Kids Fun Zone has 10 bounce houses and inflatables. The festival itself is free, but the Kids Fun Zone is not. Tickets are sold at the Kids Fun Zone entrance, and an all-day bounce pass is $25. Why It Is Worth the Drive The short answer: free admission, free parking and a lot happening in one place. A family can watch balloon launches, walk through the festival grounds, see the evening balloon glow, listen to music and browse the car show without buying tickets at the gate. That matters when the drive from Indianapolis already turns this into a full-day outing. The festival also has a nice choose-your-own-energy setup. Families can come for the evening glow and keep it simple with lawn chairs and snacks. They can make a full Saturday of it with the car show, food vendors, kids activities and evening balloons. Or they can go all-in and add paid extras like helicopter rides, which are first come, first served and listed at $50 per person, or $60 after 6 p.m. This is not a quick “pop over after dinner” event for Indy families. It is a day trip. But for kids who like big machines, bright colors, vehicles, skydivers or anything that feels slightly larger than normal life, Angola Balloons Aloft has enough going on to justify the drive. For more trip ideas, check out our guide to Indiana day trips and more free things to do near Indianapolis. Good to Know Before You Go Admission and parking are free. Food, Kids Fun Zone passes, helicopter rides and vendor purchases cost extra. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. The festival recommends bringing seating so families can spread out for balloon viewing. Food vendors accept cash and cards. An ATM is also available on site. Pets are not allowed. Service animals are permitted. No drones, alcohol or smoking. The festival lists these as part of its rules and guidelines. Accessible parking is at Ryan Park Elementary School. Golf cart shuttles run from Ryan Park Elementary. Angola Balloons Aloft 2026 Schedule Highlights Friday, July 10 4–7:30 p.m. | Paid helicopter rides 4–9 p.m. | Kids Fun Zone 4–9 p.m. | Food vendors 4–9 p.m. | Free archery tag and targets 6 p.m. | Opening ceremonies and skydivers 7 p.m. | Competition and special-shape balloons Twilight | Hot air balloon illumination Saturday, July 11 7 a.m. | Competition flight 10 a.m.–noon | Music by Retro Radio 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Classic car show 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | Paid helicopter rides Noon–9 p.m. | Kids Fun Zone Noon–9 p.m. | Food vendors Noon–9 p.m. | Free archery tag and targets 1–3 p.m. | Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab 2–4 p.m. | Anna, Elsa, Bluey and Captain America 4 p.m. | Skydivers 4–6 p.m. | Crushing Daffodils Band 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Meet the pilots and trading cards 7 p.m. | Competition flight Twilight | Hot air balloon illumination Sunday, July 12 7 a.m. | Competition flight, balloon launch only with no festival activities Plan Your Visit Angola Balloons Aloft Dates: July 10 and 11, 2026, with a final balloon launch Sunday morning, July 12 Location: Angola High School, 350 S. John McBride Ave., Angola, IN 46703 Admission: Free Parking: Free Website: angolaballoft.com Before making the drive, check the official Angola Balloons Aloft schedule and festival social channels for weather-related updates.

exploring indiana

Read Current Issue

Latest Articles

Twilight Swim Deals at Indiana Water Parks

Carmel’s Huge New Monon Boulevard Playground

Morse Beach in Noblesville: A Family Beach Day Near Indianapolis

Splash House Marion: Wave Pool, Lazy River & Slides

exploring indiana

Angola Balloons Aloft Is a Free Festival Worth the Drive

6 Indiana Swimming Holes and Lake Adventure Parks

Read Current Issue

Latest Articles

Twilight Swim Deals at Indiana Water Parks

Carmel’s Huge New Monon Boulevard Playground

Morse Beach in Noblesville: A Family Beach Day Near Indianapolis

Splash House Marion: Wave Pool, Lazy River & Slides