Is there anything more delightfully whimsical than the sight of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky? Every summer, hot air balloon pilots and enthusiasts gather in Scotts Bluff County for one of the nation’s favorite ballooning events. The Old West Balloon Fest is an entire week of events that include watching balloons take off and tons of other family-friendly activities! This hot air balloon festival in Nebraska is full of photo-worthy moments for all ages, and it’s sure to become your family’s new favorite annual tradition.

If watching balloons soar sounds like your idea of a great time, you've got to check out the Old West Balloon Fest in Mitchell.
TimRphoto/Getty
The event features around 80 colorful balloons and their pilots. It's an entire week devoted to the fun of watching the balloons as well as the skill it takes to fly them.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
The most exciting events are those where the audience gets to see dozens of balloons "glowing." Pilots light up the evening with the balloons' flames, creating a spectacle that will wow you no matter how many times you've seen it.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
The Old West Balloon Fest Night Glow takes place twice over the course of the festival. Once to kick it off, and once to wrap it up!
The Old West Balloon Fest isn't just a fun local event, though. It also happens to be the U.S. Nationals Competition, and determines which balloon pilots will go on to compete in the National Balloon Festival.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
On two days of the festival, competitors fire up their balloons and take off into the air for the "mass ascension." The launches begin in the wee hours of morning at various locations, and throughout the day you can look to the skies to see up to dozens of balloons slowly gliding by. Keep your camera ready!
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
Most of us don't realize that hot air balloon piloting is actually a sport that takes tremendous skill to master. Navigating a floating aircraft using nothing but air currents takes a long time to learn, and the Old West Balloon Fest is where talented pilots come to show off their skills.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
The competition side of the festival rates the pilots' skill in ascension, navigation, and landing. Pilots must demonstrate a variety of maneuvers to show their prowess, and the winners go on to compete at a national level.
In addition to hot air balloon watching, the festival offers food and merchandise vendors, a cornhole tournament, wiener dog races, a craft fair, and even special entertainment guests.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
The festival wraps up with the closing Night Glow at Five Rocks amphitheater. This spectacular sight caps off a whole week of magical events; it's the perfect close to a memorable festival.
Old West Balloon Fest/Facebook
Whether you visit the festival every single day, or just one, these massive balloons are absolute show-stoppers!
George Burba/Getty

Have you ever been to this nationally-recognized hot air balloon festival in Nebraska? The sight of colorful hot air balloons against the backdrop of the beautiful Scottsbluff area is truly a can’t-miss experience!

Note that visitors have to pay for an event pass, but the price is very reasonable and allows access to the entire week’s events. Learn more about this unique Nebraska hot air balloon festival on the Old West Balloon Fest website and keep up with the dates and locations of the event on its Facebook page.

What’s your favorite festival in Nebraska? We’d love to hear about it, and you may find it featured in a future story on Only In Nebraska! Just fill out our nomination form to tell us about it.

For even more warm-weather activities this season, check out this all day floating trip! Or, head to one of the Nebraska’s best water parks and splash pads.

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