Community Events

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 9-16, 2026

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