Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival, previously named Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning, returns August 21 & 22, 2026, bringing two unforgettable days of family fun, live entertainment, and colorful hot air balloons to Hatbox Event Park.

Watch the sky come alive with spectacular hot air balloons, enjoy breathtaking nightly balloon glows, and experience tethered balloon rides that offer a unique perspective of the festival grounds. Throughout the weekend, guests can explore a variety of food trucks, vendors, family activities, and entertainment for all ages.

This year’s festival features two nights of live music, headlined by Oklahoma native Kaitlin Butts on Friday night and the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band on Saturday night. From Red Dirt country to New Orleans brass, the festival’s concert lineup adds even more excitement to one of Oklahoma’s favorite events.

Admission to the festival is FREE.

On-site parking is available for $20 per vehicle at the gate. Premium Parking is available now for $30 nightly or $55 for a weekend pass, CLICK HERE to purchase online, or stop by the Muskogee Civic Center Box Office at 425 Boston St.

Whether you’re coming for the balloons, the music, the food or the memories, the Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival offers an experience the whole family will enjoy!

This year’s event will feature:
Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
Nightly Hot Air Balloon Glow
Nightly Fireworks Display
Free Kid Zone
Food trucks & vendors
Live Music

Helpful Event Info:
Gates open at 5pm both Friday and Saturday
Nightly General Admission is $20 per vehicle. Premium Parking is available for $30 nightly or $55 for the weekend
Balloon activities are weather dependent

Event Activities Available:
Inflatables: Inflatables are for ages 12 & under and are free!
DIY Tie Dye: Tie dye your own festival tee for $25! All proceeds go to Muskogee Youth Volunteer Corps. Tie dye station will be located at the Kid Zone.
Tethered Rides: $25 per person. Rides are first come first served. Riders must be physically able to climb into the basket and stand unassisted. It is the Balloon Pilot’s discretion regarding the number of riders and appropriate weight inside the basket. Family and friends may be separated to ensure safety of each ride.
Live Music: Friday nights live music schedule includes; the Red Dirt Rangers and Kaitlin Butts! Saturday will be the Full Flava Kings and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Music will begin at 7pm both nights.
Check out our Food Trucks & Vendors!

Festival FAQ’s:
What should I bring? Lawn chairs and blankets. There will be bleacher along the perimeter of the spectator field and picnic tables in the food truck area underneath a tent. Shade structures are only allowed along the perimeter of the spectator field.
Are pets allowed? No. Pets (small or large) are not allowed.
Is there handicap parking? Yes. Parking attendants will direct you to the designated handicap parking area.
Are there admissions fees to enter the event or concert? No, only the $20 parking fee.
Can I bring my cooler? No coolers or outside food/drink are allowed inside the event. Please support the food and drink vendor’s onsite!
Can I bring my drone? No, drones are not allowed. Cameras are welcome.

Tethered Ride FAQ’s:
How much are tethered balloon rides? Tethered rides are $25 per passenger. Children 5 and under ride FREE!
How many people can ride at once? Up to 6 passengers at time, depending on the pilot’s loading determination.
Are there age, height, or weight restrictions? No. Each passenger counts as one passenger regardless of age or size.
Do children need to ride with an adult? Children should be accompanied by an adult when appropriate. Final passenger loading is at the discretion of the pilot.
What are the tethered ride hours? Evening tethered ride hours are 6:00pm until close, weather permitting. Rides begin once the balloon is inflated and tether operations are ready.
When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on sale once the balloon is inflated and tether operations are ready to begin.
How long will rides continue? Rides continue throughout the evening as weather and operating conditions permit.
Can I reserve a specific time? No. Tethered rides are first come, first served.
What is a tethered balloon ride? The balloon remains securely tethered to the ground while passengers board the basket. The balloon ascends above the field and then returns to the same location, giving passengers the experience of lifting off in a hot air balloon without taking a full free flight.

Tethered Ride Quick Facts:
Evening Hours: 6:00pm – Close
$25 per passenger
Kids 5 & under are free
Up to 6 passengers at a time
Tickets go on sale after inflation (cash or card)
First come, first served
Weather permitting

PREMIUM PARKING PASSES

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