Click the button below to learn more about the festival, morning competitions and where to purchase tickets.
Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival (evening)
When to arrive:
The gates will open at 5 p.m. and festivities will continue throughout the evening until 10 p.m. The glow itself will begin around dusk; sunset is at 8:05 p.m.
What does my ticket include?
You'll have access to live music, food trucks, bounce houses, our corn maze, dry tubing hills and other activities for the whole family. After the sun goes down, a colorful hot air balloon glow will light up the night sky! The 1859 Balloon Voyage will be open for an additional cost, weather permitting. Food and beverage are available at an additional cost.
What to Expect from the Balloons:
Hot air balloons are not in the air all night—in fact, they’re one part of a packed evening of music, performances, food, and fun. Here’s how the evening typically unfolds (weather permitting):
- Around 6 p.m.: Half of the balloons lift off for a competition-style flight
- Around dusk: The remaining balloons move to the launch field for the Balloon Glow – guests will be able to walk among the balloons!
What’s a Glow?
A Balloon Glow is a breathtaking spectacle where the balloons light up their
burners after dark, creating a field of glowing orbs that pulse and flicker in time to music. They don’t lift off—but the view is unforgettable. You’ll be able to get up close to the balloons as you walk through the launch field.
What’s a Twinkle?
In poor wind or weather conditions, pilotsb may only be able to safely set up the balloon baskets and fire the burners without inflating the envelopes (the fabric part). This is called a Twinkle—you’ll still experience the roar of the flame and a lively atmosphere, just without the full balloon inflation.
Will I be able to ride in any of the Hot Air Balloons?
We encourage guests to meet our pilots and engage in conversation, but the only balloon that guests are able to ride is in our 1859 Balloon Voyage.
Can I bring my own chairs and blankets?
Yes, there is plenty of room to set up your own chairs and blankets and enjoy the beauty of the hot air balloons.
Weather & Balloon Policy:
Jupiter Flights is a rain-or-shine festival, and most activities (like live music, food trucks, the corn maze, and midway activities) will continue even in light rain. But hot air balloons are very sensitive to weather—even small shifts in wind, temperature,
or moisture can affect safety. That means balloon activities may be delayed, changed, or canceled due to:
- Wind (especially above the trees)
- Rain or storms within range
- Changing conditions in the atmosphere
Even if the skies look clear, balloon pilots and safety crews monitor conditions constantly, and may adjust plans in real time.
If weather prevents a launch, the Glow—a signature part of the Jupiter Flights experience— will still take place if conditions are safe. If winds or weather make even that impossible, we’ll shift to a Twinkle, where baskets and burners create a fiery, up-close experience on the ground.
If severe weather (like lightning or flooding) causes Conner Prairie to cancel the entire evening – including the festival grounds - the value of your ticket may be applied toward:
- Rescheduling to another festival night (based on availability)
- A future ticketed experience at Conner Prairie
- A membership, so you can return year-round!
We do not offer refunds due to weather-related changes, but your ticket value will always
be honored in one of the ways above.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
If you have any questions, contact us at info@connerprairie.org or call at 317-776-6000
Morning Events
When to arrive:
The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and races will conclude at 9 a.m.
What does my ticket include?
Watch hot air balloons fly in over Conner Prairie from a distance. Pilots will navigate low and slow across the festival grounds, aiming to drop a marker on a designated target as they compete in a Fly on Target race. Balloons do not launch from Conner Prairie in the morning, they'll appear overhead as they fly in.
New Morning Activities (included with your ticket):
- Barrel Train
- Parachute Games
- Ag Adventures Playground
- Corn Mazes
- Tubing Hill
- 1859 Balloon Voyage Exhibit (exhibit only, the balloon will not be flying during hot air balloon competitions for the safety of guests and staff)
- Make & Take Craft Station
Set up your chair, grab a coffee, and enjoy the morning fun!
Will I be able to ride in any of the Hot Air Balloons?
We encourage guests to meet our pilots and engage in conversation, but the only balloon that guests are able to ride is in our 1859 Balloon Voyage.
Can I bring my own chairs and blankets?
Yes, there is plenty of room to set up your own chairs and blankets and enjoy the beauty of the hot air balloons.
Weather & Balloon Policy:
Jupiter Flights is a rain-or-shine festival, and most activities (like live music, food trucks, the corn maze, and midway activities) will continue even in light rain. But hot air balloons are very sensitive to weather—even small shifts in wind, temperature,
or moisture can affect safety. That means balloon activities may be delayed, changed, or canceled due to:
- Wind (especially above the trees)
- Rain or storms within range
- Changing conditions in the atmosphere
Even if the skies look clear, balloon pilots and safety crews monitor conditions constantly, and may adjust plans in real time.
If weather prevents a launch, the Glow—a signature part of the Jupiter Flights experience— will still take place if conditions are safe. If winds or weather make even that impossible, we’ll shift to a Twinkle, where baskets and burners create a fiery, up-close experience on the ground.
If severe weather (like lightning or flooding) causes Conner Prairie to cancel the entire evening – including the festival grounds - the value of your ticket may be applied toward:
- Rescheduling to another festival night (based on availability)
- A future ticketed experience at Conner Prairie
- A membership, so you can return year-round!
We do not offer refunds due to weather-related changes, but your ticket value will always
be honored in one of the ways above.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
If you have any questions, contact us at info@connerprairie.org or call at 317-776-6000