Community Events

Join us for a casual gravel stroll through the rugged High Plains countryside from Scottsbluff to Potter, Nebraska! We are hosting the second annual Flyover to Flyover: A Gravel Party! We’ll start the day in downtown Scottsbluff and make our way to our Hangar 39 location in Potter, Nebraska.
We’ll traverse some of the same gravel roads used by Robidoux Rendezvous and the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships and add in some more gravel to make our way to Potter. Along the route, we’ll stop at two strategically placed aid stations with plenty of snacks and hydration to fuel the rest of the ride. We’ll arrive in Potter in the middle of Potter Car-Bowl! We’ll be greeted by live music, food trucks, custom crew socks for each finisher, and a complimentary beer for your efforts!
A shuttle bus and enclosed bike transportation will be waiting to transport us back to the start line in Scottsbluff at 4 pm. Return shuttle limited to 100 riders! Register by May 31 to secure your shuttle seat. Bag drop and transport will be available at the start line, so you can count on a fresh change of clothes when you arrive in Potter.
Find the route here (subject to adjustment): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48466177
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to experience the wonders of western Nebraska!

Old West Balloon Fest is Nebraska’s premier Hot Air Ballooning Event. We look forward to hosting 50 hot air balloons in 2025. We are celebrating our eleventh year flying in Western Nebraska!

Date: August 14-17, 2025

WNCC hosts the Student Welcome Back Night Glow – Public Welcome 6:00 – 9:00 PM, gates open 5:30 PM Location – Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff, NE

Platte Valley Companies presents Old West Balloon Fest sunrise launches– Festivities begin at 6:15 AM, gates open at 5:30 AM Location – Mitchell Airfield, on South Mitchell Road, Mitchell, NE. NEW special shapes will be revealed this year. NEW food and merchandise vendors on the field each morning. An EVENT pass is required to enter the field.

Craft Fair and Weiner Dog Races– Enjoy browsing over 80 vendors participating in the Old West Balloon Fest Craft Fair from 6:15 AM all day at Mitchell Airfield. Weiner dog races take place at Mitchell Airfield at 11:00 AM

KNEB Night Glow and Drone Show at Mitchell Airfield – Gates open at 5:30 PM. We will have tethered rides, food trucks, a beer garden, music, and over 50 hot air balloons that will glow at dusk. You won’t want to miss the drone show featuring iconic scenes from Western Nebraska. Location – Mitchell Airfield, Mitchell, NE. An EVENT pass is required to enter the field.

Cowboy Worship Service and Balloon Sunrise Launch – Gates open at 5:30 AM. After the balloon launch at 6:15 AM, enjoy Cowboy Worship Service and Music.

See the official website listed below for more details, exact dates, and to purchase your event pass.

For more information on becoming an event sponsor or vendor, Contact Colleen Johnson (308) 225-0128.

theoldwestballoonfest.com