About This Festival
The Terre Haute Balloon Fest is a vibrant, two-day festival held in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana, on September 12 and 13, 2025. It offers a mix of aerial and ground-based activities focused on hot air balloon experiences combined with live music and family-friendly attractions.
Surrounding Area and Vibe:
The event takes place in scenic outdoor locations around Terre Haute, likely including or near the city park and Terre Haute Regional Airport. The atmosphere is festive, lively, and visually striking, centered around the spectacle of colorful balloons ascending and glowing at night. The vibe blends serene aerial beauty with energetic musical performances and community fun, suitable for all ages.
Key Activities and Descriptions:
-
Tethered Balloon Rides: Attendees can embark on tethered hot air balloon rides providing elevated panoramic views of Terre Haute. These rides offer a safe, thrilling aerial adventure for a memorable experience.
-
Live Music: Multiple bands perform live across the event duration, featuring diverse musical genres to entertain attendees while surrounded by floating balloons.
-
Evening Balloon Glow: One of the festival highlights is the "Balloon Glow" after sunset, where hot air balloons light up in a glowing display creating a breathtaking nighttime spectacle that combines light, music, and balloon artistry.
-
Kids Zone: A designated area with activities and entertainment specifically designed for children.
-
5K Run & Morning Balloon Launch: On Saturday morning (September 13), a 5K run is hosted at the Terre Haute Regional Airport, starting at 8 a.m., complemented by the visual delight of balloon launches at sunrise.
-
Food Vendors: Various food trucks and vendors offer local and festival-friendly cuisine to complement the experience.
Rough Schedule & Locations (based on past patterns and 2025 details):
-
Friday, September 12:
- Afternoon to evening: Tethered balloon rides open
- Live music performances throughout the afternoon into the evening
- Evening Balloon Glow show after sunset in the main festival grounds or park area
-
Saturday, September 13:
- 8:00 a.m.: 5K Run at Terre Haute Regional Airport alongside a morning balloon launch
- Daytime: More tethered rides, live music, kids zone activities
- Evening: Final Balloon Glow show and live music closure
Exact locations are to be confirmed, but key venues include the city park and the regional airport.
History and Founding:
Although precise founding details are not explicitly outlined, the Terre Haute Balloon Festival is an established community event with local support including title sponsors and partners. It has grown into an annual attraction please lively outdoor entertainment and balloon aviation experiences, garnering local enthusiasm and drawing visitors regionally.
Overall, the Terre Haute Balloon Fest is an uplifting mix of visual spectacle, active participation, and musical celebration, creating a distinctive regional festival experience centered on the magic of hot air balloons and community gathering.