This year’s event will showcase 16 vibrant hot air balloons, launching at sunrise and glowing brilliantly each evening during the spectacular Balloon Glow (weather permitting). Under the direction of Balloon Meister Dennis Short, pilots will take to the skies above Poteau’s city center, creating magical views for festivalgoers all weekend long.
New in 2025 – Balloons & BBQ: For the first time, the Kansas City BBQ Society Oklahoma State Championship Cookoff will be part of the festival! Some of the best pitmasters in the region will battle it out for $10,000 in cash prizes, with categories including chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. Visitors can enjoy tastings right on site and cheer for their favorites as the smoke rises!
Festival Fun for All Ages:
The excitement doesn’t stop in the sky. On the ground, guests can enjoy:
The excitement doesn’t stop in the sky. On the ground, guests can enjoy:
Helicopter rides & monster truck rides
Carnival rides, games & contests
Live armored knight battles & interactive shows
Continuous live entertainment and music
A huge selection of food trucks serving up festival favorites
Unique Vendors:
Shop from dozens of vendors offering everything from handmade soaps, jewelry, and clothing to blankets, knives, tarot card readings, books, purses, lotions, hats, woodcraft, face painting, and so much more. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift or just want to browse, there’s something for everyone.
Shop from dozens of vendors offering everything from handmade soaps, jewelry, and clothing to blankets, knives, tarot card readings, books, purses, lotions, hats, woodcraft, face painting, and so much more. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift or just want to browse, there’s something for everyone.
When: October 17–18, 2025
Where: Poteau, OK – Festival grounds & balloon launch sites
Tickets: Available at the gate, $5 ages 5 and up
Parking: $5 (Free parking with shuttle available)
Where: Poteau, OK – Festival grounds & balloon launch sites
Tickets: Available at the gate, $5 ages 5 and up
Parking: $5 (Free parking with shuttle available)
Whether it’s your first time or your nineteenth, the Poteau BalloonFest is guaranteed to leave you with memories that soar. This year’s theme is “Rise Above the Ordinary”, and with balloons, BBQ, shopping, rides, and entertainment for the whole family, there’s no better place to be. Come see why BalloonFest continues to be one of Oklahoma’s favorite fall traditions—Flying High in 2025!
Click each image for a larger photo.
-
- This balloon is much larger than the other balloons and will not fly over Poteau. It will be one of the tethered balloons in the evening.
Get Local News!
