The Old West Balloon Fest in Western Nebraska is a family fun weekend for everyone from the ages of 1 to 100. Celebrating over a decade of flying, fun, and DREAMS. Many remember the event from the 1980’s and 1990’s and dreamt of the event coming back to the area. The event was “re-inflated” in 2015 to the delight of the community.
Come enjoy a spectacular show of the greatest magnitude. Hot air balloons fill the sky each morning for mass ascensions. Days are filled with activities, competition, and balloon glows to light up the evening sky.
There is an abundance of entertainment included in the low priced admission pass. And, it is good for the entire weekend of events — the best bargain in the valley!
The schedule of events and all activities for Old West Balloon Fest vary daily and are weather permitting. Many other activities are scheduled at Mitchell Airfield for you to enjoy, so check out our full schedule. Stay tuned, as weather in Western Nebraska can change quickly and last-minute fly or no fly decisions have to be made. Check out information on our main attractions below.
Kick off each morning of the festival with the breathtaking wonder of 50+ hot air balloons taking off all at once.
Join us on the field located at the Mitchell Airfield just south of Mitchell, Nebraska.
Enjoy amazing nights of Night Glow shows including our opening night kickoff.
Our night glows are spectacular nighttime shows where the glow of the hot air balloons fill the night sky. Come out and enjoy all the evening events with us – including our vendors!
Scotts Bluff County is proud to be hosting the US National Hot Air Ballooning Championships 2026-2028.
Competition ballooning requires a flying set of pre-determined tasks. Pilots must navigate their balloons over a designated course with specific goals, targets, scoring zones, and time or distance constraints.
Be sure to come out and see the pilots as they compete!
At the Old West Balloon Fest, you will find a variety of vendors selling their goods and delicious food!
Food vendors will be ready to fill your stomach at every event. From snacks to meals, our food vendors are set to fill your belly. The craft fair lasts for the full three days of the festival. Our craft fair honors traditional and cultural heritage, foster creativity, and encourages attendees to explore various arts and crafts.
We are sure you will find something for everyone!
Come out for the race and watch the dogs run! And who doesn’t love wiener dogs, right? This event is designed to love and celebrate the awesomeness that is wiener dogs! So come on out and enjoy the fun.
All proceeds will go to a local animal charity.
Think your Wiener Dog has what it takes? Sign up today!
Learn the science behind hot air ballooning through hands-on learning. During this one day camp, certified balloon pilots will teach young learners the parts of a hot air balloon, putting the balloon together, and participating in the inflation. If the weather permits, we will tether the balloon for participants. Each child will receive a camp t-shirt.
Participation is FREE and is open to children ages 5-14. Don’t delay, these camps fill up quickly!
As the weather plays a critical role in hot air balloons, be sure to have a look at the weather forecast before heading out to see the balloons.
Our mission is to create a joyful experience for patrons of all ages with a family-friendly, all-inclusive community hot-air ballooning event. Old West Balloon Fest is a festival that brings pilots and visitors from all over the United States to Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska.
As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, our event maintains a community-minded mission well grounded in our Western Nebraska roots.
