• Nebraska has three hot air balloon festivals.Hot air balloon image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Balloon festivals provide the opportunity for hot air balloon enthusiasts to get a close up view of the colorful balloons, as well as watch the balloons launch into the sky and glow in the night. These festivals also often serve as the centerpiece for a weekend of accompanying events and entertainment. Nebraska has three balloon festivals, each offering its own unique experience.
  
  

Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival

• Held in Elkhorn, on the outskirts of Omaha, the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival is a two-night event held each August. The Nebraska Balloon Club sponsors this festival and offers spectators the opportunity to watch the balloons light up in the evening balloon glow. Food and wine enthusiasts can taste wines produced in Nebraska and sample gourmet food prepared on-site by local chefs. Other activities include pony rides and games for children and live entertainment from local bands.
  
  Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival
  
  Coventry Campus
  
  South of 204th and Q Streets
  
  Elkhorn, NE 68022
  
  402-346-8003
  
  showofficeonline.com/NebraskaWineBalloonFestival.htm
  
  

Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival

• The Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival is held in the small rural town of Wakefield, located in northeast Nebraska. The free balloon festival with a balloon launch and balloon glow are just part of this fall event, called Hot Air Balloon Days by local residents. The town also hosts a softball tournament, a dance for teenagers, train and fire truck rides for the kids and a craft and quilting fair during the weekend of the balloon festival.
  
  Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival
  
  Wakefield Community School
  
  802 E. Highland St.
  
  Wakefield, NE 68784
  
  402-287-2362
  
  wakefieldballoonfestival.com
  
  

McCook Balloon Fest

• The southwestern Nebraska town of McCook hosts the free McCook Balloon Fest at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. This is an invitational event, and pilots must apply for consideration to participate. Spectators are able to watch the balloons launch and participate in a photography contest, with the winner receiving a free balloon ride. The festival also provides opportunities to volunteer to be part of one of the balloon crews.
  
  McCook Balloon Fest
  
  Red Willow County Fairgrounds
  
  West 5th and O Streets
  
  McCook, NE 69001
  
  800-445-9116 ext. 27
  
  mccookballoonfest.com