August 8 & August 9

Elk Ridge Village on the Lake

A hot air balloon creates excitement that attracts and holds attention. More than six million spectators annually attend hundreds of balloon events nationwide, more than any other outdoor summer activity, including baseball games and car races.

Balloons launch Friday and Saturday Evening

Balloons launch by 7:30 pm - Gates open at 5:00 pm to give spectators an early glimpse at the hot air balloons as pilots assemble them for their flights. (Weather Permitting)

First, the pilot and crew spread the colorful canopy out across the grass and connect the balloon envelope (canopy) to the gondola. Balloons are inflated with giant fans. Then the pilot ignites the burner forcing hot blasts of air into the balloon canopy, which causes it to rise. Remember your early science lessons - "Hot Air Rises." Part of the romance in ballooning, is not knowing exactly where the air currents take you. Balloon pilots navigate by ascending and descending the balloons into different air currents, but they are incapable of actually "steering" the balloon into a precise location and can land miles from their launch site. Chase crews follow the balloons to their destinations as the balloons rarely land where they launch.

Balloon Glow Friday and Saturday Night

It's without a doubt the festive part planned for the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival. As the sun sets on Friday and Saturday, the crowd gathers to enjoy one of Omaha’s Favorite bands at the Main Stage with a party atmosphere in anticipation of the spectacular Balloon Glow where pilots make their hot air balloons dance to a musical beat. At approximately 8:30 pm, several colorful hot air balloons begin to inflate and balloonists vie for their chance to be the stars of a most spectacular part of the evening - the Balloon Glow. (Weather Permitting)

To accomplish the glow, balloon pilots ignite their burners simultaneously. This causes the colorful balloon envelopes to glow against the velvet black skies and reflection of the Lake. The pilots then make the balloons "dance" by igniting the burners, with the band firing up the stage to prep for the hot air balloons’ Big Show.

The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival is the First Showcase of its kind and will be similar to other Balloon & Wine Festivals around the country which have become successful including those in the Temecula Valley, California and Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. The Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 8, 5 pm – 11 pm and Saturday, August 9, 5 pm – 11 pm with Adult Admission at $5 and Children under 12 at $2.50 and 5 & under free throughout the two Day Event.