Aug. 10, 2026

Up, Up, and Away in Muskogee: Hot Air Balloons

Up, Up, and Away in Muskogee: Hot Air Balloons
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The Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival (formerly the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning) is back, and it’s kicking off a whole new chapter!

Join us as we break down everything you need to know about this action-packed weekend at Hatbox Event Park. Muskogee Tourism Director Justin O’Neal highlights a massive focus on live music this year—pairing top-tier concerts with all the classic, high-flying family favorites you love.

Whether you're taking to the skies, running a 5K among the balloons, or rocking out to Oklahoma's own country star Kaitlin Butts, this is an August weekend you won't want to miss!

📍 Event Details At-A-Glance

  • When: Friday, August 21 & Saturday, August 22, 2026

  • Where: Hatbox Event Park (4000 Border Ave / 640 S 40th St, Muskogee, OK)

  • Gates Open: 5:00 PM nightly | Live Music: 7:00 PM nightly

🎈 Sky-High Attractions

  • Nightly Balloon Glow & Fireworks: Watch the evening sky light up with colorful, glowing hot air balloons, followed by a grand finale fireworks display every single night!

  • Tethered Balloon Rides: Take a mini-flight on-site during the festival for a bird's-eye view of the grounds (no reservations needed!).

  • Chartered Rides: Want the ultimate adventure? Full-charter flights are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (call ahead to book).

  • Up Up & Away 5K: Saturday morning (Aug 22) at 7:30 AM—run a scenic course surrounded by hot air balloons!

🎵 Live Music Lineup

  • Friday Night (Aug 21): Oklahoma’s own Kaitlin Butts headlining, with special guests The Red Dirt Rangers.

  • Saturday Night (Aug 22): New Orleans legends Dirty Dozen Brass Band, with special guests The Full Flava Kings.

🍔 Family Fun & Admission

  • Free Kid Zone: Loaded with activities to keep the little ones entertained.

  • Food & Shopping: Local food trucks and artisan vendors packed throughout the park.

  • Admission: FREE!

  • General Parking: $20 per vehicle (cash/card at the gate).

  • Premium Parking: $30 per night or $55 for a Weekend Combo Pass (purchase online or at the Muskogee Civic Center Box Office).

🔗 Connect & Learn More

#OnlyInOK #VisitMuskogee #MuskogeeOK #OklahomaEvents #HotAirBalloonFestival #HatboxEventPark #KaitlinButts #RedDirtRangers #DirtyDozenBrassBand #ExploreOklahoma #OKTourism #FamilyFunOK