Rediscovering East Central Indiana is a blog series from Forge East Central Indiana highlighting the experiences, events, and destinations that make our region unique. From cultural attractions and community traditions to outdoor experiences and hidden gems, the series is designed to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the people and places that help define East Central Indiana.

One of the newest additions to that list is Bloom & Glow on June 3rd in Richmond, Indiana—an event that combines community gathering, local food, and the beauty of hot air balloons glowing against the evening sky.

A Summer Evening in Richmond

Hosted at the historic Richmond Rose Garden and the former Glen Miller golf course, Bloom & Glow celebrates the arrival of the season’s first blooms while bringing the community together in a setting that feels uniquely East Central Indiana.

The event begins with an outdoor dinner featuring local caterers and continues into the evening as illuminated hot air balloons create a memorable backdrop for families, visitors, and community members gathered throughout the park.

While the dinner portion serves as a fundraiser supporting the Richmond Rose Garden, the balloon glow itself remains open to the public, creating an accessible experience that encourages people to simply come out and enjoy the evening together.

More Than an Event

What makes experiences like Bloom & Glow meaningful is not just the activity itself—it’s the atmosphere surrounding it.

Events like this create opportunities for communities to connect, support local organizations, and celebrate the spaces that contribute to quality of place across the region. They also highlight the importance of parks, public gathering spaces, and traditions that help communities feel vibrant and welcoming.

In many ways, Bloom & Glow reflects what Rediscovering East Central Indiana is all about. It’s not necessarily about large-scale attractions or major destinations. Sometimes the experiences that leave the biggest impression are community-centered events that bring people together in authentic and memorable ways.

Showcasing Regional Identity

Across East Central Indiana, communities continue finding creative ways to celebrate what makes them special.

In Richmond, the Rose Garden has long served as a community landmark, and events like Bloom & Glow help create new memories connected to that space while introducing visitors to another side of the region.

For residents, it’s an opportunity to experience familiar places in a new way. For visitors, it’s a chance to discover the kind of community-centered experiences that make East Central Indiana distinctive.

Rediscovering the Region

One of the goals of this series is to encourage people to see East Central Indiana differently.

There are destinations, traditions, events, and experiences happening throughout the region that many people may not even realize exist. Bloom & Glow is another reminder that some of the most memorable experiences can be found close to home.

Sometimes all it takes is slowing down for an evening, gathering with others, and rediscovering what makes a community special.

Learn More

Bloom & Glow takes place June 3 in Richmond, Indiana. For event details, ticket information, and updates, visit the official event page.