Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival ## About the Event Indiana's largest hot air balloon festival returns to Conner Prairie for a spectacular three-day celebration of flight, color, and community. Jupiter Flights brings together more than 45 magnificent hot air balloons from across the country and beyond, creating an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty with thrilling competition and family fun. This isn't simply a daytime spectacle—it's a full evening experience designed to captivate visitors from sunset through the magical Balloon Glow, when dozens of illuminated balloons pulse with light and color against the darkening sky. Whether you're watching balloons soar overhead during dawn competitions or walking among glowing giants at night, Jupiter Flights captures the wonder and romance of ballooning in a setting that feels both intimate and grand. ## The Surrounding Area Conner Prairie's thousand-acre grounds in Fishers provide the perfect backdrop for this festival. As one of the country's most visited outdoor museums, the property offers sprawling open spaces, wooded paths, and historic areas that invite exploration. The immersive museum approach pairs beautifully with the festival's wandering atmosphere, encouraging guests to discover new vantage points and hidden corners throughout the evening. Beyond Conner Prairie, the Fishers District and Nickel Plate District downtown offer excellent dining and entertainment. Enjoy craft beverages at Sun King Fishers, savor cuisine at restaurants like 101 Craft Kitchen and Sangrita, or try your luck at Topgolf and Pinheads bowling. For those wanting to extend their visit, several hotels sit conveniently nearby, including the Prairie Guest House just across from Conner Prairie. ## Activities & Attractions The festival unfolds with a rhythm that builds throughout each evening. Around 6 p.m., roughly half the balloons lift off in a competition-style flight, offering sweeping views across the prairie. As dusk approaches, the remaining balloons are positioned for the evening's main event. The Balloon Glow is the festival's crown jewel. Once darkness falls, the balloons stay grounded but illuminate from within, creating a breathtaking field of glowing shapes that pulse to live music. Guests can walk through the launch area to get up-close views and meet the balloon crews. Beyond the balloons, the festival grounds buzz with family-friendly attractions including bounce houses, a corn maze, and dry tubing hills. Multiple food vendors offer everything from pizza and doughnuts to pulled pork and burgers. A special highlight is the exclusive Headless Horseman corn maze, appearing for the first time before opening to the public later in the season. For thrill-seekers, the historic 1859 Balloon Voyage offers tethered rides rising more than 350 feet into the air, providing a unique aerial perspective of the festival and surrounding landscape (weather permitting, additional cost applies). The festival also features international flair, with appearances by pilots from England and Belgium, and a special limited-edition craft beverage: Blueberry Yonder, a sour ale created by Sun King exclusively for the festival. ## Schedule & Logistics Dates & Times:

• Friday, September 11: Evening events 5-10 p.m.
• Saturday, September 12: Morning competitions 7:30-9 a.m.; Evening events 5-10 p.m.
• Sunday, September 13: Morning competitions 7:30-9 a.m. (Champion announced after final race) All events require tickets. Tickets typically go on sale in July, and advance planning is strongly recommended as the festival draws large crowds. Location: Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana VIP packages are available, offering exclusive access to the Sunset Lounge with premium Balloon Glow views, a complimentary drink ticket, and a wine tasting experience from Oliver Winery.