Old West Balloon Fest
Old West Balloon Fest has announced 9–14 August 2027, with its main gathering at Mitchell Airfield in western Nebraska.
The festival’s public programme combines balloon launches with night glows and activities around the Scotts Bluff area. Mitchell Airfield, south of Mitchell, is the main venue named by the organiser. It is a different destination from simply navigating to the city of Scottsbluff.
The event also hosts US national championship activity in the 2026–28 period. Competition flying and public festival sessions do not necessarily use the same timetable, so check the daily programme for the part you want to see. The organiser advertises more than 50 balloons for the mass ascensions.
Passenger opportunities, admission and special activities should be confirmed separately. Weather can change launch locations or prevent flying. The landscape image on this page shows nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument, rather than Mitchell Airfield or a festival flight. Use the event’s travel instructions when planning your arrival.
Sources and photograph
Editorial review: 9 November 2026. Source 1
Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska. Regional context; the festival’s main venue is Mitchell Airfield. Photograph by Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States. CC BY-SA 2.0. Responsive versions may be cropped and resized.