Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest

The Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest is a two-day annual festival held in late September, with the 2025 event scheduled for September 26–27. It takes place at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds in Bedford, Indiana, not Bloomington as initially thought. The festival features an array of vibrant hot air balloons, including some uniquely shaped ones, both tethered and untethered rides, alongside a rich variety of entertainment and activities.

Surrounding Area and Event Vibe

Bedford, Indiana, located in south-central Indiana, offers a charming small-town Midwestern atmosphere, well-suited for a family-friendly outdoor festival. The fairgrounds provide a spacious, accessible environment, incorporating festival elements that engage visitors of all ages, from families to balloon enthusiasts. The vibe is festive and community-oriented with a welcoming, lively atmosphere, combining the thrill of balloon flights with local culture and entertainment.

Festival Activities and Attractions

The Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest features:

• Hot Air Balloons: Many shapes including special or novelty shapes, with tethered rides for safety and some untethered rides for more adventurous attendees.
• Pyrotechnic Skydivers: Skilled skydivers performing dazzling aerial displays enhanced with pyrotechnics.
• Helicopter Rides: Offering a different aerial perspective beyond the balloons.
• Jeep Show & Shine: A showcase of classic and customized Jeeps.
• Robot Demonstrations: Interactive and educational robotics displays.
• Bungee Trampoline: Family-friendly physical activity combining bouncing and safety harnesses.
• Trackless Train: A train ride around the festival area for children.
• Food and Commercial Vendors: A variety of local and regional food options along with commercial stalls.
• Beer & Wine Garden: A dedicated space for adults to enjoy local beers and wines.
• Special Egg Hunts: Separate adult and youth egg hunts adding seasonal fun.
• Live Entertainment: Bands and performers create a festive atmosphere throughout the event.
• Fireworks Display: A grand firework show to close the festival.

Rough Schedule and Locations

• Friday, September 26: Gates open at 4 PM and close at 11 PM. Evening activities kick off with balloon displays, live entertainment, the Jeep Show, food vendors open, and the beer & wine garden operating. The night ends with skydiver performances and fireworks.
• Saturday, September 27: Gates open early at 7 AM and close at 11 PM. Morning balloon launches, tethered rides available to the public, continuing entertainment and vendor activities. Special egg hunts for children and adults are held at set times during the day. Helicopter rides and robotics demonstrations occur throughout the day.

Specific precise locations of activities like the beer & wine garden, train rides, and Jeep show are organized within the Lawrence County Fairgrounds layout, typically well-marked on arrival and in program guides.

History and Founding

The Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest is a fundraising event organized by the Kiwanis Club of South Central Indiana. While exact founding dates are not specified in recent sources, the event has become a well-established regional tradition attracting balloonists and visitors from around Indiana and neighboring states. It aligns closely with Kiwanis’ community service goals, combining family-friendly entertainment with charitable fundraising.

Ticket and Accessibility Information

• Admission: Tickets cost around $30 for day passes, with discounted presales available. Carload passes are offered during presale only.
• Accessibility: The event is handicapped accessible.
• Contact: Phone (812) 327-8575; official website and Twitter available for updates.

This event blends natural spectacle, outdoor fun, and community participation in a picturesque Indiana setting, making it both a visual highlight and a comprehensive festival experience.