19th Annual Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography by Sarah Lemke
For nearly two decades, late summer in Nebraska carries a tradition unlike any other. The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival has grown from modest beginnings into one of the metro area’s signature celebrations, a gathering built around the spectacle of hot air balloons rising against the horizon.
Year after year, thousands spread their blankets and lawn chairs across Ta-Ha-Zouka Park to watch the skies come alive, sip wines crafted from Nebraska soil and beyond, and share in a community event that has become a highlight of August.
The festival traces its roots to the early 2000s, when organizers envisioned an event that would pair the artistry of ballooning with the emerging wine culture of the state. At the time, Nebraska counted only a handful of wineries. Today, with nearly 25 vineyards producing award-winning vintages, the festival celebrates that growth. What began as a few balloons and a scattering of tents has transformed into an immersive two-day experience that attracts balloonists from across the Midwest, vintners from across the region, and families eager for something truly memorable.
To go beyond the tasting glass, the Food & Wine Pairing Dinners elevate the experience into something more intimate. Friday evening at the 2025 event belonged to Carrabba’s Italian Grill, serving a three-course menu designed to complement carefully chosen wines. Saturday featured WineStyles, whose culinary team paired prime rib and seasonal dishes with curated selections. These dinners sell out each year, evidence of how the festival has become as much a culinary event as it is an entertainment spectacle. And for those who prefer beer to wine, a growing craft selection in the Beer Garden always ensures no guest feels left out.
The Wine
Wine has always been at the heart of the festival’s character, grounding it in the flavors of the region while drawing in acclaimed national labels. Over the years, visitors have discovered just how far Nebraska’s vintners have come, with James Arthur Vineyards, Glacial Till, Nissen Winery, Native 32, and Little Swan Lake among the favorites, poured this year alongside sponsor Clos du Bois, among others. More than 60 varieties now line the tasting tents each August, offering everything from crisp whites and full-bodied reds to surprising fruit blends unique to the Plains.
The Music
While the wine keeps guests relaxed, the music keeps the festival alive. Each year, the lineup brings together local talent with regional touring acts to create a live soundtrack that drifts across the park from afternoon through the evening. Families lounge in lawn chairs while children dance barefoot in the grass, and the stage remains the major gathering point before it’s time to head closer to the balloon field.
In 2025, Friday night featured The Persuaders, one of Omaha’s most enduring party bands, who kept the crowd moving with a mix of classics spanning six decades. Saturday brought a double bill: the Red Delicious Band, warming up the crowd with a blend of rock and soul, and High Heel, whose powerhouse lead singer Lisa Larsen turned the evening into an interactive experience. The live performances kept the weekend moving, drawing all eyes toward the energy of the ONYX-sponsored main stage.
The Balloons
Of course, nothing defines the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival more than its balloons. They remain the true icons of the event, filling the horizon with color as they lift in mass ascents during the golden hour. Spectators arrive early to watch pilots unfurl their envelopes, fans pumping air as burners roar to life and the shapes slowly take form. The true pinnacle comes after sunset as the balloons begin to glow from within.
While the wine, music, and balloons capture the headlines, part of the festival’s enduring charm is its inclusivity. Families flock to the Methodist Physicians Clinic KidZone, where bounce houses, face painting, and even a mechanical bull keep children entertained for hours. Food trucks and vendors serve everything from Greek gyros and Thai noodles to smoky barbecue, wood-fired pizza, and strawberry funnel cakes, ensuring guests of all ages and tastes can find something to savor.
Pulling off an event of this scale each year requires partnership, and community sponsors have been essential in sustaining and elevating the experience. In 2025, ONYX Automotive took the lead as Title Sponsor, helping bring energy and accessibility to all corners of the festival. Their support contributed to the festival’s commitment to remain both expansive and affordable for attendees. Joined by partners such as Pinnacle Bank, Family Fare, Today’s Dental, and Coca-Cola, the sponsorship network reflects a shared investment in keeping the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival a metro-area custom.
Each year, the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival brings a growing crowd together. It’s the small moments—friends catching up over a glass of local wine, children gazing wide-eyed at the glow of the balloons, couples swaying to live music—that give the festival its staying power.
With the ongoing support of partners like ONYX, the tradition continues year after year, welcoming new faces while keeping its familiar setup. What remains a true constant is the sense of connection—neighbors, friends, and visitors all sharing in something uniquely Nebraskan.
For more information, visit showofficeonline.com/NebraskaWineBalloon.
