Indiana’s Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival Is Back For 2026

One of Indiana’s most visually stunning fall events is officially coming back.

The Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival will return to Conner Prairie in 2026, bringing three nights of hot air balloons, live entertainment, and immersive experiences to Hamilton County.

More Than Just A Balloon Festival

While the hot air balloons are what first catch your eye, Jupiter Flights is designed as a full evening experience rather than a quick stop. The balloons are part of a much larger atmosphere that spreads across the prairie.

Friday and Saturday evenings typically feature live music, multiple food options, and activities that keep families moving from one area to the next. From performances inspired by flight to interactive spaces for kids, there is always something happening as the sun goes down.

Why Conner Prairie Is The Perfect Setting

Conner Prairie is one of the most visited outdoor museums in the country and covers more than a thousand acres of open space, wooded paths, and historic areas. Known for its hands-on approach to learning, the grounds invite visitors to explore rather than just observe.

That immersive style pairs perfectly with Jupiter Flights, encouraging guests to wander, discover new areas, and experience the festival from different vantage points throughout the evening.

What Evenings At Jupiter Flights Look Like

Weather permitting, the festival follows a rhythm that builds as the night goes on.

Around 6 p.m., roughly half of the balloons lift off for a competition-style flight, offering sweeping views across the prairie. As dusk approaches, attention shifts back to the launch field as the remaining balloons are positioned for one of the most anticipated moments of the night.

The Balloon Glow Experience

Once the sun goes down, the balloons stay grounded but steal the show during the Balloon Glow. Their burners light up the fabric from within, creating a field of bright, colorful shapes that glow and pulse to music.

Guests are able to walk through the launch area, getting an up-close look at the balloons and their crews. While the balloons do not take flight during the glow, the experience is often what people remember most.

Throughout the evening, visitors can also enjoy food trucks, live music, bounce houses, corn maze fun, dry tubing hills, and other family-friendly attractions spread across the grounds.

Seeing It From Above

For an added thrill, the historic 1859 Balloon Voyage offers tethered rides that rise more than 350 feet into the air. The experience comes at an additional cost and depends on weather conditions, but it offers a unique perspective of the festival and the surrounding landscape.

Dates And Location

The 2026 Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival is scheduled for September 11 through September 13, 2026, at Conner Prairie in Hamilton County.

Where: Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Road
Fishers, Indiana

Tickets for Jupiter Flights typically go on sale in July, and the event has drawn large crowds in past years. Planning ahead is strongly recommended.