Frequently Asked Questions

The Old West Balloon Fest takes place in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. In 2025, the opening balloon glow will take place at Western Nebraska Community College.

The remainder of 2025 festival events will take place at Mitchell Airfield.

Western Nebraska Community College 1601 E. 27th Street Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Mitchell Airfield 60653 Mitchell South Rd Mitchell, NE 69357

Arriving early to events, especially most popular events such as the morning mass ascensions, is advisable. For morning mass ascensions, gates will open at 5:30am and for evening balloon glows, 5:30pm.

In the early mornings temperatures can be around 55°F, warming up to 80-90°F by midday. Dress in layers, including a jacket, with comfortable walking shoes. Most of the festival event grounds is mowed grass and has uneven surfaces. Bring sunscreen for after the sun is up and bug spray for the evening events.

All festival events depend on prevailing weather conditions and are subject to delays or cancellations. Decisions regarding mass ascensions and balloon glows are made during the Pilot and Weather Briefings. If changes to the schedule are deemed necessary, announcements will be made on the balloon field as well as on our Facebook page and on Rural Radio 94.1. Taking a“ wait and see” approach in coming to the balloon field until the announcement is made may result in arriving too late and missing the balloons in all their glory.

In ballooning, last-minute decisions to fly or not to fly are based on prevailing and predicted weather. The safety of our pilots, volunteers, and the public are a priority for The Old West Balloon Fest.

Seating is not provided near the balloon launch and glow field(s), so bringing a lawn chair or blanket is encouraged if you wish to sit while viewing the balloons. There will be a limited number of tables and folding chairs near the food vendors in the hospitality tent.

RVs can be parked within our general parking at the festival; however, they may not stay overnight. Please reach out to our festival staff prior to the festival if you are considering parking an RV.

Yes! There will be numerous food trucks and community organizations serving a variety of foods and beverages. A complete list of food and beverage vendors will be available on our website July 1, 2025.

Absolutely no smoking or vaping is allowed at the festival. No smoking includes electronic cigarettes. The hot air balloons use propane and an open flame to fly. This presents a dangerous situation for everyone. Please respect the safety of festival participants.

The only animals allowed are ADA service animals that are specially trained for a specific job or task. Any other animal that does not qualify as a service animal under the ADA is not allowed on the balloon field. Emotional support animals are not classified as service animals. Please do not leave your pet in your vehicle. Summer temperatures heat up quickly and the safety of your beloved pet is primary.

Absolutely! The balloon pilots are very happy to explain the process of inflating and flying their balloons. Please be mindful and stay clear of the inflator fans, balloon fabric (called the envelope), and the flames as the balloons are preparing for takeoff.

Don’t forget to ask pilots for an official balloon trading card!

A very limited number of paid ride spots are available for the festival dates and will fill quickly. To reserve your spot, please contact The Old West Balloon Fest via email: [email protected]

The Old West Balloon Fest will have a discovery center where you can learn about the science behind hot air ballooning, pick up your free program, and purchase official festival merchandise.

Come enjoy the festival but leave your drone at home. For the safety of the balloon operators and spectators, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) area that will make the Old West Balloon Fest a No Drone Zone. Only official drone operators who have received permission from the FAA and the festival will be able to conduct drone operations.

Yes! We are happy to discuss group tour options for our festival. We kindly ask that you connect well in advance of festival dates: [email protected]

The Old West Balloon Fest, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization, relies on hundreds of volunteers to make this family-friendly, fun, community event a success. Volunteers help in all areas, including balloon chase crews, parking attendants, ticket sales, and kids camp support, to name a few.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit: https://theoldwestballoonfest.com/volunteers/

Reach out to us via our contact us page, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Hot air balloons do not fly during the day due to the heat. This is the perfect time to visit the many attractions in our community. Visit Scotts Bluff National Monument or hike the many trails around Wildcat Hills. Explore Legacy of the Plains Museum, Riverside Discovery Center, or attend one of our local theaters. Experience our unique local dining scene, shopping, or visit one of our local breweries and wineries. Scotts Bluff County has so much to offer