Old West Balloon Fest has all of the elements in place for one of the most magical events in Nebraska. There’s nothing quite like a colorful hot air balloon to ignite the imagination and get your mind soaring among the clouds. There are several air balloon festivals across Nebraska, and this one in the panhandle has been a local favorite for years. Mark your calendars for Aug. 7-10, 2024! Taking place in the charming town of Mitchell, let’s take a look at this Nebraska hot air balloon festival.

The 10th Old West Balloon Fest takes place at the old Mitchell airport launch field.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
People come from all around to witness the launch of these whimsical, colorful balloons. It's coming up in August of this year, but it's never too early to start making plans to attend.
Participants bring old favorites and new balloons - we always see something new and delightful!
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
What can you expect from this exciting festival?
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
The obvious (and spectacular) balloon flights in the valley.
And plenty of fun will take place on the ground from live music to delicious food and arts and crafts.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook

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On Thursday night, see the Western Nebraska Community College Night Glow - an especially popular part of the festival.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
The balloons light up but don't leave the ground, letting you get a little closer. Food and merchandise vendors will offer unique, hot-air-balloon-related merchandise. And if you have questions, this is a chance to talk with the hot air and RC balloon pilots. Make sure to ask them for a collectible hot air balloon trading card!
Friday and Saturday showcase the Morning Mass Ascension at Mitchell Recreation Field to see the unforgettable sight of hot air balloons inflating and taking flight at sunrise.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
Look for the merchandise tent, the Kids' Discovery Zone tent, and food vendors - some serving breakfast. Redz Bar and Grill will be serving Mimosas and Bloody Marys in the beer garden if you want to toast the grand ascension, followed by the RC Balloon Demonstration.
After the morning events at Mitchell Recreation Field on Saturday, go downtown on Center Street for the Old West Balloon Fest Craft Fair.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
More than 100 local vendors will sell homemade crafts and exquisite one-of-a-kind wares.
And our favorite event begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with the adorable Weiner Dog Races at Miners Park at the end of Center Street.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
Watch as the mighty dogs race in age categories to claim the prize of Top Dog. As you can see, plenty of events are planned for this extraordinary balloon festival in Nebraska!
There's something endlessly charming and whimsical about hot air balloons.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
No matter how young or old you are, it's hard not to be impressed with the colorful show. Will you make the trip to the panhandle town of Mitchell this year?

Old West Balloon Fest offers more information on the website. The celebration takes place at Mitchell Air Field, just south of Mitchell at the intersection of Mitchell South Road and Hawk Road.  Have you attended this fun-filled event in Nebraska? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.

While you’re in Mitchell, drive about 20 minutes to see the unforgettable Scotts Bluff National Monument. And stay the weekend at a nearby hotel.

Here’s Nebraska’s Top Outdoor Attraction…And You’ll Definitely Want To Do It

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More to Explore

Festivals in Nebraska

Carolyn Harmon | May 01, 2024

What are the best festivals in Nebraska?

  • Roca Berry Farm Fall Festival (Roca): From train rides, a Barn Swing, a Western Jailhouse, and a Corn Maze - the activities available at this fun celebration require way more than a day to explore.
  • Fur Trade Days (Chadron): A carnival full of rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and fireworks await at this annual festival in Nebraska. The Traders' Market is the best feature to find antiques and one-of-a-kind purchases.
  • Popcorn Days (North Loup): More than a century old, this much-anticipated party is worth attending. The longest-running state festival features rides, kids’ games, the men’s slow-pitch softball tournament, a run/walk, food from local vendors, and a street dance!
  • NebraskaLand Days (North Platte): Dance to a sensational lineup at the Summer Jam Concert Series, attend the exciting Buffalo Bill Rodeo, and don't miss the parade.

Where are some of the best parks in Nebraska?

  • Antelope Park (Lincoln): This lovely property along Antelope Creek offers a variety of scenery, including the Sunken Gardens, a Veterans Memorial Garden, the Hamann Rose Garden, and the Strolling Garden. Enjoy sports fields and a golf course.
  • Niobrara State Park (Niobrara): Sitting where the Niobrara and Missouri rivers meet, this scenic state park has cabins, tent and RV camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing. Pack a picnic, plan a barbecue, and do some birdwatching. You might be surprised by what you see in this natural habitat.

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