Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning is an annual event that takes place on the third weekend of August at Hatbox Field in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Over 30 balloons rise over Muskogee County, creating a beautiful panorama of the dotted sky. The three-day festival runs from 6 pm to 9 pm on Friday and Sunday, and on Saturday, it runs in the morning from 7 am to 9 am. Competition flying is in the mornings on Saturday and Sunday.
Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning offers tethered balloon rides, food trucks, helicopter rides over the area, children's activities, live music, and much more. The major highlights of the festival are The Balloon Glow and the fantastic fireworks finale on Sunday. In addition to the ballooning experience, there is an "Up Up and Away" 5k fun Run. The kids' area features inflatables and a giant slide for grown-up kids.
General admission to the festival is $20 per vehicle. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Tethered balloon rides are $20 per person, and riders must be physically able to climb into the basket and stand unassisted. Helicopter rides are available for $40 per person. Flights last about eight minutes. Two or three persons can go together for a flight.
