Angola Balloons Aloft

05/29/2026

Say hello to three of our competition pilots for Angola Balloons Aloft 2026!

Allen Anderson joins us from Minden, Nevada and will pilot "Pixie Styx." He's sponsored by Croxton & Roe Insurance. Andrew Barnum of Ottawa Hills, Ohio, is sponsored by Bill's Professional Towing & Repair and is competing in "Jabberwocky." Peg Bilson hails all the way from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She's flying "Shilo" and is sponsored by Bon Appetit at Trine University.

We're thankful for our sponsors and their consistent support of our event, now in its 17th year. See these three pilots along with 34 other balloons July 10 and 11 at Angola High School!

05/28/2026

We are offering paid hot air balloon rides at our event for the first time in several years. These will be shared rides with other passengers, at a cost of $310 per person, payable by credit card. Rides will be offered at sunrise Friday-Sunday, July 10-12 and sunset Friday and Saturday. All questions should be directed to [email protected]

Meet our four paid balloon ride pilots, all based in the Indianapolis metropolitan area: Andrew Brindley will pilot "El Vieno" while John (Brad) Chism brings "Smile High" to Angola Balloons Aloft. Ted Gransbury flies "Round About" and Tony Sandlin will take riders on "Stop Light."

To book your ride: https://bit.ly/4u4edwX

05/26/2026

For the fourth consecutive year, we are offering free archery tag and archery targets at Angola Balloons Aloft. Both of these activities are free, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

The games/targets will be open 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 10 and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 11. We've partnered with Archery Tag in Ashley to bring these fun activities to our event. Gather a group of friends to play together or get paired with another group of four people at the event. The minimum age to play is 10. We will also offer target shooting for those age 7 and above. Archery tag and targets will be located south of the food vendors. For more info on archery tag and targets, visit https://archerytag.com/

05/20/2026

We love dogs. We do! But there are loud noises, crowded walkways and hot pavement at Angola Balloons Aloft and this is no place for your pet. Sometimes their behavior is unpredictable around other dogs and kids, too. For the safety of everyone attending, dogs (and other pets) are not permitted at our event. Of course, trained service animals are always welcome! We appreciate everyone understanding.

05/19/2026

Cynthia Seal is back again to delight the crowds at Angola Balloons Aloft July 10 and 11. Sponsored by Steuben County Community Foundation, Cynthia is a competition balloon as well as a special shape. We welcome pilot Pat Rolfe to Angola Balloons Aloft 2026!

05/14/2026

Intrepid Helicopters will offer rides at Angola Balloons Aloft Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11. Rides are available Friday between 4 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday between noon and 7:30 p.m. at Angola High School. Helicopter rides are $50 per person, if booked at the Intrepid Helicopters tent before 6 p.m. either day. If you arrive after 6 p.m., the cost is $60 per person. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Rides cannot be booked online; you must book the rides at Intrepid's tent.

Rides are first come, first served so plan to arrive early. Lines could be long so please be patient. The helicopter carries three passengers and must have two passengers to take a flight. The weight limit per passenger is 275 pounds and the total weight limit for all three passengers is 600 pounds. If the total weight is getting close to 600 pounds or the individual weight is over 200 pounds, passengers will get on a scale that only the company can read. This is for everyone's safety and to abide by the limits of the aircraft. Intrepid prefer children older than 2 years old and all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

05/13/2026

Who doesn't love classic cars? Our car show Saturday, July 11 takes place at Angola High School between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a door prize drawing for $750 cash for all vehicle owners present, courtesy of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and Larry and Marsha Beck. Enjoy the sounds of "Retro Radio" between 10 a.m. and noon.

There's no entry fee for the show and the first 150 car owners who register at the event receive a free t-shirt. Participants may remain in the parking lot following the show and enjoy a prime parking spot for the balloon launch and illumination later that evening. No alcohol or dogs are allowed. Questions? Contact Gary Barlett at (260) 243-1374. See less

05/08/2026

Here’s a look at our event t-shirts for Angola Balloons Aloft 2026. We’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a colorful patriotic theme. We are looking for a few additional sponsors for the back of our shirts. The cost is $500. If your business is interested in being a sponsor, send us a message. We’d love to talk to you!

04/29/2026

Keep your eyes on the sky 👀

A bright yellow hot air balloon is flying into Angola Balloons Aloft, and trust us, this one’s going to be a favorite with the kids.

Yellow Bird makes a return appearance July 10 and 11 at the 17th annual Angola Balloons Aloft at Angola High School. This crowd-favorite balloon is sponsored by Miller Amish Country Poultry.

We know he looks similar to a famous cartoon character, but this balloon is Yellow Bird, not the other guy!

02/23/2026

Our website has undergone a complete refresh and we'd love for you to check it out! We will be adding our schedule, 2026 pilots and special shapes plus updated sponsors as we get closer to the event.

Our website sponsor is KubeSpark, the spark your business needs for custom websites, digital marketing and IT services that fuel real growth.

Join us for Angola Balloons Aloft - Indiana's premier hot air balloon festival featuring competition balloons, special shapes, balloon illuminations, classic car show, and family activities. Free admission and parking!