Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival

The evening skies over Omaha, transform into a breathtaking display as hot air balloons illuminate the twilight during coordinated glow shows. The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, hosted at Mount Michael Benedictine Abbey in Elkhorn, welcomes over 10,000 attendees annually to experience balloon rides, wine tastings, and gourmet food pairings. Local wineries such as James Arthur Vineyards and Schilling Bridge Winery & Microbrewery offer samples of their finest vintages, while food trucks and artisan vendors serve everything from wood-fired pizzas to locally-made chocolates. Talented local musicians perform throughout the weekend on the main stage, providing a perfect backdrop for the festivities. The festival features over 30 craft vendors, a dedicated kids' zone with face painting and balloon artists, and professional balloonists who conduct educational demonstrations about the art of hot air ballooning. A highlight of the event includes tethered balloon rides that give visitors a gentle taste of floating above the ground while master vintners conduct wine appreciation workshops in the abbey's historic stone buildings.