Old West Balloon Fest

10/05/2026

🎈 Are you suffering from a little Hot Air Balloon FOMO? 😩🎈

We get it. We are, too.

The International Balloon Fiesta is happening RIGHT NOW, and there are a whole bunch of familiar faces in the skies over Albuquerque! 🌅🎈

Several pilots who have joined us at the Old West Balloon Fest, flown at U.S. Nationals, and made the skies over Western Nebraska so spectacular are there — including our very own OWBF Balloon Meister, Colleen Johnson and Mike Johnson! 🤠🎈

So while we’re sitting here missing those early-morning launches and colorful skies, we’ll just have to live vicariously through the Fiesta photos and live videos from their youtube page: . ❤️

Recognize some OWBF or U.S. National favorites? Give them a shout-out! 👇

And if this is giving you serious balloon FOMO… don’t worry. We know a place where you can get your fix. 😉

🎈 Old West Balloon Fest
📍 Scottsbluff, Nebraska
August 9-14, 2027

09/01/2026

Thank you to our sponsors and all of the people who support the Old West Balloon Fest! Look for our thank-you in the September issue of NSpire Magazine. For a full list of our supporters, please visit our website theoldwestballoonfest.com.

Thank you to Jaylight Photography for all of the amazing photos from this year's event. We will post more photos throughout the year so that you can enjoy them until next August, when we see you again.

Event

08/17/2026

🎈 What an incredible Old West Balloon Fest! 🎈

As the balloons come down and the dust settles, we just want to say THANK YOU. ❤️

An event like this doesn’t happen because of one person or one organization. It takes all of us.

To our amazing sponsors — thank you for believing in the Old West Balloon Fest and investing in our community. Your support makes so much of what we do possible.

To our incredible volunteers — you showed up, worked hard, solved problems, welcomed people, and did whatever needed to be done. We truly could not do this without you!

To our pilots and crews — thank you for bringing the magic, the skill, the excitement, and those beautiful balloons to our skies. 🎈

And to our community — thank you for coming out, cheering us on, supporting local businesses, bringing your families, and making this festival what it is. Your enthusiasm is what keeps this event flying.

From the early mornings to the evening glows, the laughter, the crowds, the challenges, and all the unforgettable moments — Old West Balloon Fest is truly a community effort.

It takes a village to create something this amazing. And we are so lucky to have ours. ❤️🎈

Thank you to everyone who played a part in making Old West Balloon Fest 2026 one to remember.

Until we see you in the skies again… thank you for helping us keep the magic flying! 🎈

08/16/2026

Thank you, Gering and Terrytown, for the beautiful views this Sunday morning! Visit Gering

08/16/2026

Balloons taking off from Five Rocks This Morning.

08/16/2026

Today is a free fly for our pilots! Taking off from 5 Rocks now!

08/16/2026

Due to extreme weather and lightening we are canceling tonight’s event. Thank you for your support!

08/15/2026

🎈✨ TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! ✨🎈

🎉Update from the field! The party has started! Come out for your last chance to meet the pilots, collect cards, and enjoy the GLOW!

The final night (Saturday, 8/15) of Old West Balloon Fest is here — and it’s going to be one BIG glow! 🎈✨

And we have something extra special tonight…

🇺🇸🎈 The 2026 U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship balloons are joining us! 🎈🇺🇸

Come enjoy an evening packed with fun:

🎈 NIGHT GLOW — watch the balloons light up the night!
🎶 Live music
🌮 Food trucks
🍻 B**r garden
🛍️ Craft vendors
👕 Old West Balloon Fest Merch Tent
Tether Rides! $20 cash (ATM on site)

📍 Mitchell Airfield
⏰ Gates open at 5:30 PM

🪑 Bring a chair and get comfortable for the evening!

🚗 PARKING: Bring your event parking pass OR purchase one when you park for $20 CASH.

Bring the family, grab your friends, and come watch the balloons glow against the Nebraska night sky. ❤️🎈

Tonight, we LIGHT UP THE NIGHT! ✨

Balloon inflation is weather permitting.

08/15/2026

🎈 WANT TO GO UP IN A HOT AIR BALLOON THIS WEEKEND? 🎈

We have a limited number of paid flights available Sunday, August 16 in the morning!

💰 $325 per person
🎈 Weather permitting

First come, first served! Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

📧 Email [email protected] to get on the list!

Come see the world from above! 🎈✨