Old West Balloon Fest is Nebraska’s premier Hot Air Ballooning Event. We had over 80 colorful hot air balloons filling the sky in 2022 and we are celebrating our ninth year flying in Western Nebraska!

August 9-13, 2023

WNCC hosts the Student Welcome Back Night Glow – Public Welcome 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location – Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff, NE

Platte Valley Companies presents Old West Balloon Fest sunrise launch and US National Hot Air Balloon Competition – Begins at 6:15 a.m. gates open at 5:30 a.m. Location – Mitchell Airfield, on South Mitchell Road, Mitchell, NE. NEW special shapes will be revealed this year, tethered rides for children. NEW food and merchandise vendors on the field each morning. EVENT pass is required to enter the field.

Craft Fair, Weiner dog races, and Corn Hole Tournament from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location – Center Ave, Mitchell, NE. – Enjoy browsing over 60 vendors participating in the Old West Balloon Fest Craft Fair. Weiner dog races take place in the park at the south end of Center Ave at 11:00 a.m.. The Corn Hole Tournament takes place in front of Redz Bar beginning at 10:00 a.m.

KNEB Night Glow at Five Rocks Amphitheater – Gates open at 5:00 p.m. We will have tethered rides, food trucks, beer garden, music, and over 70 hot air balloons will glow at dusk. Location – The Grasslands at Five Rocks Amphitheater in Gering, NE. EVENT pass is required to enter the field.

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

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

Date: August 9-13, 2023 – Website for exact dates and activities at theoldwestballoonfest.com