Old West Balloon Fest

05/28/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check it out!

05/27/2026

04/16/2026

REMEMBER WHEN?? Throwback Thursday Old West Weekend in the 80's and 90's. Comment if you were there, what are your memories?

03/31/2026

Old West Balloon Fest is seeking volunteers to help with this year's event. We need volunteers for all positions, including crewing for a balloon, administrative, parking, and youth ballooning camp! Every volunteer will be entered into a raffle for a hot air balloon ride. You will also receive a t-shirt, parking pass, and ticket to the pilot welcome party! Message us for more information or sign up on our website, theoldwestballoonfest.com, Thank you!

03/16/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LSKvRZeRA/

Our neighbors in Morrill County need us.

👉Visit our website here: https://www.otcf.org/

or DONATE directly at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-otcf-sandhills-fire-relief-fund
Your donation is tax deductible and so very appreciated.

The Morrill Fire has left families, ranchers, and entire communities facing devastating loss. Homes, livelihoods, and landscapes that have stood for generations are now forever changed — and the road to recovery will be long.

💛 If you’re able, please consider donating to support the individuals and families impacted by the Sandhills Fire. 100% of every contribution — big or small — helps provide immediate relief and long‑term recovery for our neighbors who need it most. There are NO FEES taken from your contribution, either from the Foundation or from the credit card platform. What you give is what they'll get.

The OTCF will be donating these funds to agencies who are on the front line and know the needs and the best way to help immediately. Your contribution is safe and appreciated.

Thank you for being the kind of neighbor that cares deeply and acts boldly.

08/21/2025

Thank you to our sponsors, pilots, volunteers, festival attendees, vendors, and the Scotts Bluff County community for joining us to experience the Magic in the Western Skies at the 2025 Old West Balloon Fest. 🎈✨

📸: Jaylightphotography

08/17/2025

Update - the wallet has been returned to its owner.

Good Morning, we found a wallet on the field last night. If you think it might be yours, please private message me.

Thanks to everyone who helped to put on this amazing event! Your hard work and dedication make my job easier.

08/17/2025

7:40am - Events at Mitchell Airfield have now concluded. Thank you for coming to the 2025 Old West Balloon Festival!

6:20am - Upon a second weather review, our pilots have deemed it not safe to fly today. Our Cowboy Worship service will begin on the balloon field at 6:30am and following the service, Some of our pilots will candlestick with their baskets and burners. Feel free to stop by and speak with the pilots.

6:10am - We are on a weather hold as our pilots watch a weather cell near Cheyenne. They will be conducting second brief soon and an update will available at that time.

5:00am - Gates will be opening for the final mass ascension of the 2025 festival at 5:30am. Our pilots will have their official weather briefing shortly before 6am and an update regarding mass ascension will be available after that weather review.

Cowboy Worship is scheduled to start immediately following balloon launches.

08/16/2025

8:55pm - Our balloon glow is wrapping up and our drone show is set to begin at 9pm.

As you leave from the field this evening, the south exit will flow to Hwy 92 only and north exit to hwy 26 only.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening festivities and thanks for coming out to the Old West Balloon Fest Saturday festivities. ✨


7:45pm - Our pilots have just concluded their weather brief. Some balloons will try to glow on our festival field with inflation beginning shortly after 8.

Tethered balloon rides WILL be available. $20/rider, first come, first serve. Tickets are available in our balloon merchandise tent.

Drone show at 9pm!

5:45pm - Gates are open and evening festivities are underway at Mitchell Airfield with food and Craft Vendors.

Avid Dischord will begin live music at 7pm.

Our pilots will have their official weather brief regarding the glow at approximately 7:30pm. An official update regarding the 8pm glow will be available after that briefing.

Drone show is scheduled for 9pm.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
12pm - Morning events at Mitchell Airfield have now concluded. Gates will re-open for evening festivities at 5:30pm

9:40am - Tethered rides have concluded for this morning. Wiener dog races begin at 11. Craft and food vendors until 12pm at Mitchell Airfield.

7:05am - Our weather has not been deemed safe for flight today. We do, however, expect a few balloons to do a static display on the field.

Tethered rides will be available, first come, first serve. $20/rider - tickets are available at the balloon merchandise tent.

Wiener dog race will take place at Mitchell Airfield at 11am.
Food and Craft Vendors will be at Mitchell Airfield until 12pm.

6:05am - We are currently on a weather hold as our pilots continue to monitor weather in the area. They will conduct another official weather review in 15-30 minutes and we will provide another update at that time.

In the meantime, there are many delicious food vendors and talented craft artisans on site as well as our balloon merchandise tent!

5:00am - Gates will be opening at 5:30 am for this morning's mass ascension which will be starting shortly after 6am, weather dependent. Event passes are $20/carload and good for the entire weekend. They will be available at the gates, cash only.

Our pilots will have their official weather briefing shortly before 6am and we will have additional information to share after that time regarding the mass ascensio