Hot Air Balloon

Indiana’s largest balloon festival is floating back into town! The 2025 Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival returns to Conner Prairie from September 5–7, promising three days of sky-high excitement, colorful hot air balloons, live music, delicious food, and fun for all ages. From dazzling evening balloon glows to free morning competitions, this family-friendly event is a can’t-miss celebration of adventure, community, and fall vibes. Why the Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival is Totally Worth the Hype Last year, my family and I attended the Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival at Conner Prairie for the very first time—and it quickly became one of our favorite nights of the entire year. We went with a big group, nine kids under age eight included, and everyone (yes, even the toddlers!) found something to love. Related Article: 7 Indiana Hot Air Balloon Festivals to Look Forward to this Year We arrived shortly after the gates opened at 5 PM and staked out a cozy picnic spot on the big hill that overlooks the sunflower field. With our blankets, folding chairs, and a pitch-in style picnic spread, we were ready for the evening. Even though we brought food, we had to check out the row of food trucks. Festival fare is part of the fun, after all. Since the main event—the balloon glow—doesn’t start until dusk, we had a couple of hours to explore. Luckily, Conner Prairie knows how to keep kids entertained. There were bounce houses, a giant foam pit, and of course, the legendary giant tube slide. We intentionally set up camp near the hill so the kids could zoom down over and over again while we relaxed nearby. Related Article: 2025 Fairs & Festivals near Indianapolis Balloon Glow Magic As the sun dipped lower, the energy shifted down toward the balloon field next to the sunflowers. Suddenly, the Fall Out Boy anthem “Light ’Em Up” blasted through the speakers—and the flames from over 10 hot air balloons lit up the sky in time with the music. That set the mood for the rest of the night. About 10–15 minutes later, the balloons were fully inflated, and the crowd was invited into the field for the iconic balloon glow. We wandered through the glowing giants, marveling at their size and color. The kids darted through the sunflower field, wide-eyed and giddy. No photo or video can truly capture how awe-inspiring it is to stand beneath these balloons—it's something you just have to see in person. Before heading out, we made one last stop at the slide—now with zero line and a view of the glowing balloons in the distance. It was the perfect end to a 10/10 evening. A quick safety tip from one parent to another: As it got darker, it became really easy to imagine how quickly a little one could get lost in the crowd, especially in the sunflower field or near the balloons. One kind vendor let us borrow a pen so we could write our phone number on the kids’ arms. Thankfully, we didn’t need it, but having a simple safety plan gave us peace of mind. First-Timer Tips (Parent-Tested, Kid-Approved) Bring chairs or a blanket. There’s lots of open space to spread out, so stake out a cozy spot. Families can bring their own picnic, grab dinner from the food trucks, or enjoy a bit of both—it’s all part of the experience. Dress for the weather. Since this is a completely outdoor event, it’s a good idea to check the forecast and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes are also a must, especially with all the walking and exploring. Arrive early. Gates open at 5 PM, and both parking and popular picnic spots fill up quickly. Arriving on the early side gives families time to settle in and enjoy the pre-glow activities at a relaxed pace. Have a quick safety plan. While the event is family-friendly and well-organized, it can get crowded after dark. It’s smart to have a simple safety plan in place—like choosing a designated meeting spot or writing a parent’s phone number on younger kids’ arms. These small steps can offer peace of mind and help ensure everyone enjoys the evening worry-free. Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival 2025 – Event Details Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN Dates: September 5–7, 2025 Ticket Info: Tickets go on sale July 29 for members and July 31 for the general public. Prices range from $5–$26, with discounted rates available for members and Access Pass holders. Get tickets & details here. Evening Balloon Glow Dates: Friday and Saturday, September 5 and 6 Pricing: Member: $15 | Nonmember: $26 Spend the evening enjoying live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities as hot air balloons—some in unique, special shapes—light up the night sky. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and take in the glow. Morning Balloon Races Dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 Pricing: Member: $5 | Nonmember: $10 Start your morning with a spectacular view of balloons launching at sunrise. Watch pilots navigate a series of aerial challenges as they compete for the grand championship. Whether it’s your first time or a returning tradition, the Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival is a must-see Indiana event. Mark your calendar—this one’s going in our family’s fall lineup again for sure.

Hot Air Balloon

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Hot Air Balloon

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