Old West Balloon Fest

The Premier Hot Air Balloon Festival in Western Nebraska!

August 14th-16th, 2026

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, competitions, wiener dog races, food and craft vendors and balloon glow launches to light up the night sky.  Kick off each morning with the breath taking wonder of 50 + hot air balloons taking off all at once!  Featuring over 75 craft vendors you’ll find local favorites as well as new crafters you are sure to love.  Thousands of spectators from across the country come to Western Nebraska each year for this decades old event.

Join Gannon Travel Associates for this fun filled weekend!

This tour is only available for sign ups until July 10th!

Tour also includes:  2 nights accommodations in Scottsbluff, 6 Meals, a visit to Grain Bin Antique Town with 20 historic grain bins and a massive barn full of unique collections from dealers, Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse, Chimney Rock Museum & Walk the Rock and an evening drive to the top of Scottsbluff National Monument.

Itinerary at a glance-

Friday, Aug 14– Depart from Grand Island and enjoy breakfast on the coach.  Visit to Grain Bin Antique Town before lunch (included) at Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse.  Check in this afternoon at Holiday Inn Express, Scottsbluff.  Supper included at Papa Moon’s Cafe followed by an evening drive to the top of Scottsbluff National Monument for pictures and a walk if you’d like.

Saturday, Aug 15– Breakfast (included) at Mitchell launch site. 6:00 A.M. inflation begins for the morning launch, 7:30 A.M. craft shows and vendors open, 7:00-10:00 A.M. competition balloons arrive, 11:00 A.M. wiener dog races.  Lunch (included) at Flyover.  Visit to Chimney Rock this afternoon for the museum and Walk the Rock.  5:30 P.M.  Balloon Glow activities begin, food trucks on the grounds for supper (on your own) as well as a beer garden and entertainment.  Overnight at Holiday Inn Express, Scottsbluff.

Sunday, Aug 16– Breakfast at the hotel and cowboy church service and morning launch before heading for home with a stop in North Platte for lunch (on your own). 

**Balloon launches are dependent on the weather and may be delayed or cancelled depending on the conditions**

Tour Price

$769/person double occupancy   $1,029 single occupancy   $759/person triple or quad occupancy

Full payment is due within one week of signing up. 

To make your reservation call Gannon Travel Associates (308) 381-8785.

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellations made after July 10th will not receive a refund.  No charge for name changes.