LOOGOOTEE — The horizon over West Boggs Park is set to transform this summer as the Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest officially moves to the 1,600-acre recreational facility for its 2026 event.
Scheduled for August 28 and 29, the annual festival is shifting locations to accommodate an expanded lineup of activities and an expected increase in attendance. While the colorful hot air balloons remain the primary draw, organizers have announced several new attractions designed to broaden the event’s appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts.
New Attractions for 2026
This year’s festival will feature a variety of inaugural events and activities, including:
- Charity Golf Scramble: A tournament benefiting Riley Children’s Hospital, allowing participants to support pediatric healthcare while competing.
- Youth Activities: The addition of pony rides and a putt-putt course for younger visitors.
- Community Engagement: A photo contest inviting local photographers to capture the balloons at sunrise and sunset.
- Outdoor Recreation: Additional family-friendly games scattered throughout the park’s day-use areas.
West Boggs Park, situated on the border of Martin and Daviess counties, offers extensive amenities that organizers believe will enhance the festival experience. Due to the anticipated “large crowds,” officials are strongly encouraging visitors to secure their accommodations early.
The park features over 200 campsites, mobile home rentals, and several cabins. Given the festival’s popularity in previous years, local lodging in nearby Loogootee and Montgomery is expected to fill rapidly as the August dates approach.
Managed by the Kiwanis, the festival serves as a major fundraiser for the organization’s community service projects. “We are looking forward to bringing an exciting weekend of activities to the area later this summer,” event organizers stated, noting that the move to West Boggs provides the necessary space for both the balloon launches and the expanded ground-level entertainment.
Further details regarding gate times, specific balloon “glow” schedules, and registration for the golf scramble are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The expansion of regional events like the Balloon Fest follows a trend of increased community investment in Martin County. Recently, the Martin County Community Foundation awarded a $15,000 Impact Grant to the City of Loogootee to support the local police department’s K9 program, highlighting a period of active growth and support for area services and safety.
