At Kunes, we believe every great community story deserves to be told, and sometimes the best conversations happen on the road.
In this edition of Kunes Car Convos, Josh Olson, Director of Development at Camp Timber-lee, takes the wheel of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe RST while sitting down with Kimberly Voller, Executive Director of the 531 Fund, to talk about one of Lake Geneva’s most imaginative and impactful events, the Balloon Adventure.
From 100,000 balloons to life-changing camp experiences, this conversation highlights what happens when creativity meets community impact.
What Is the 531 Fund?
The 531 Fund is a charitable organization serving the 531 zip code area. Founded in 2016 (originally under a Christmas-themed name before rebranding), the organization exists for one purpose:
To support local nonprofits through unique, community-driven events.
In 2024, the 531 Fund reached an incredible milestone — over $1 million given back to local organizations.
That’s one million dollars invested directly into programs, nonprofits, and experiences that strengthen families, children, and community initiatives across the region.
“We support other organizations through our events,” Kimberly explains. “It’s about making an impact right here at home.”
Enter the Balloon Adventure
If you have never experienced Balloon Adventure, imagine walking into a space transformed entirely by balloons. Not small party balloons, but giant immersive structures built from over 100,000 balloons.
The event is held at Pier 290 in Lake Geneva, inside their boat showroom, which is completely transformed into a walkable, interactive world.
This year marks the third annual Balloon Adventure, and the 2026 theme is:
“Bugging Out”
Think oversized insects, colorful tunnels, larger-than-life structures, and hidden surprises.
It is not just decorations. It is an immersive experience you walk through.
“These aren’t small balloon arches,” Josh laughs. “They build walls, tunnels, massive creatures you can walk around and through.”
Last year’s underwater theme featured a massive hidden whale built into a wall. This year, expect the same kind of creativity with a bug-themed twist.
The Artists Behind the Magic
The creative force behind Balloon Adventure is Sarah Meyer of Wisconsin Balloon Decor.
She brings together 14 professional balloon artists from across the country, and even Canada, including artists from:
- Alabama
- Utah
- Florida
- Chicago
- Canada
Each artist brings a specialty, from structural builds to detailed design elements.
And the build timeline is impressive.
They begin Sunday morning and work long hours until everything is completed by Wednesday at 4 PM.
- Four days.
- 100,000 balloons.
- One transformed space.
“It’s incredible to watch,” Kimberly shares. “They literally build walls with balloons and then add all these intricate finishing touches.”
Designed for All Ages
While balloons may make you think “kids,” Balloon Adventure is intentionally created for every generation.
Kids
Interactive activities throughout the experience keep children engaged and moving.
Grandparents
One of Kimberly’s favorite memories was watching grandparents take their time walking through the displays with their grandkids, pointing out details, asking questions, and making memories.
Seniors
Many older guests are fascinated by the engineering behind the structures, asking questions like “How did they build that?” and “What’s holding it up?”
It is art, architecture, and imagination combined.
A Natural Fit with Camp Timber-lee
This year’s “Bugging Out” theme has an extra special element, science.
Camp Timber-lee, one of this year’s beneficiaries, brings a strong outdoor education and science program to the partnership. Together, they are incorporating educational elements that tie into insects and nature.
The partnership makes sense.
Camp Timber-lee works with children year-round through:
- Summer camps
- Outdoor education programs
- Winter retreats
- Science initiatives
And thanks to events like Balloon Adventure, more kids can attend camp, sometimes for life-changing experiences.
Kimberly recently toured the camp grounds and was blown away.
“I was surprised at how massive camp is,” she says. “Horseback riding, science programs, kids eating together, no cell phones. They’re building real connections.”
That is what this partnership helps fund.
Special Events During Balloon Adventure
Balloon Adventure is more than a walk-through experience. There are special themed events throughout the run.
Afterglow Rave (Kids Dance Party)
Your ticket includes entry to Balloon Adventure, plus glow sticks, DJ Felix, snacks, and a dance party for kids and families.
“It was so fun watching grandparents dancing with their grandkids,” Kimberly shares.
Blockbuster Movie Night
Guests watch a family-friendly movie inside the balloon world, this year under a canopy of balloon trees.
Pajamas are encouraged. Blankets are welcome. Popcorn and snacks are included.
Last year’s underwater movie night was a hit, and this year promises the same magic.
Adventure Pub Crawl (Adults Only)
Adults get their own event too.
Guests walk through Balloon Adventure, then board a shuttle into Lake Geneva and visit participating restaurants and bars. It is perfect for a date night or a friends’ night out, and it still supports local nonprofits.
The Grand Finale: Balloon Popping Party
After days of wonder comes one of the most anticipated events, the Balloon Popping Party.
Guests get to help pop all 100,000 balloons.
There are clear instructions and safety guidelines, but it is a controlled and wildly fun send-off.
And the balloons are recycled responsibly through a recycling partner.
From massive art installation, back to bags of deflated balloons. It is a full-circle moment.
Event Details
Location: Pier 290, Lake Geneva
Dates: March 19 through March 29
Closed: Monday during the event run
Tickets:
Available now at 531fund.org
You can also search “Balloon Adventure Lake Geneva”
Buy online to save $5 per ticket, since prices increase at the door
Special event tickets for Afterglow Rave, Movie Night, and the Pub Crawl are also available online.
