2.5 hours from Chicago: this town is hosting a massive hot air balloon festival this weekend and it’s completely free admission
Some free events just don’t live up to the hype—perhaps they are lackluster or simply lack activities. However, there are those rare events that truly impress, and the fact that they are free is just an added bonus. One such event is Angola Balloons Aloft, and let us tell you—it’s worth the 2.5-hour drive from Chicago.
At this festival, you can watch mesmerizing hot air balloons launch into the sky, listen to live music, browse a car show, stroll through the festival grounds, and enjoy the evening balloon glow—all without having to buy tickets at the gate.
Over 25 massive hot air balloons are taking over northern Indiana this weekend
The Northern Indiana Hot Air Balloon Festival attracts over 25 hot air balloons to Angola High School for a weekend filled with balloon launches, evening balloon illuminations, food vendors, children’s activities, a classic car show, and more.
For younger kids who want to burn off some energy, there is The Kids Fun Zone. This area features 10 bounce houses and inflatables. Please note there is a fee to access The Kids Fun Zone, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance; an all-day bounce pass costs $25.
Friday, July 10
- 4–7:30 PM—paid helicopter rides
- 4–9 PM—Kids’ Fun Zone
- 4–9 PM—food vendors
- 4–9 PM—free archery tag and targets
- 6 PM—opening ceremonies and skydivers
- 7 PM—competition and special-shape balloons
- Twilight—hot air balloon illumination
Saturday, July 11
- 7 AM—competition flight
- 10 AM–12 PM—music by Retro Radio
- 10 AM–2 PM—classic car show
- 10 AM–7:30 PM—paid helicopter rides
- Noon–9 PM—kids Fun Zone
- Noon–9 PM—food vendors
- Noon–9 PM—free archery tag and targets
- 1–3 PM—soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab
- 2–4 PM—meet Anna, Elsa, Bluey and Captain America
- 4 PM—skydivers
- 4–6 PM—crushing Daffodils Band
- 4:30–5:30 PM—meet the pilots and trading cards
- 7 PM—competition flight
- Twilight—hot air balloon illumination
Sunday, July 12
- 7 AM—competition flight, balloon launch only with no festival activities
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