The FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest, Oklahoma’s biggest balloon festival of 2019, is set to return to Shawnee this August, bringing live performers, family-friendly activities, fireworks, and a hunting and fishing expo as well as a display of 25 hot air balloons and more.
The festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m. at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds. There will be food trucks, a 5K race and more fun activities for the whole family throughout the weekend. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend The Outdoor Nation Expo that features three days of fun with more than 130 hunting and fishing vendors and demonstrations at the FireLake Arena.
It will be a fun-filled weekend of balloon glows, balloon rides and family activities. Festivalgoers can expect to see balloons covering the Shawnee sky throughout the weekend.
Saturday, Aug. 10, activities begin with commercial balloon flights at 7 a.m. along with the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest 5K race taking place at the FireLake Golf Course. All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal. Runners of all ages are welcome and can register online for the race at FirelakeBalloonFest.com for $25.
Local artists will display their art throughout the balloon festival. Families will also be able to enjoy a kid’s zone and petting zoo as well as a carnival that’s open until midnight and tethered balloon rides beginning at 6 p.m.
A variety of retail vendors will offer a range of merchandise such as apparel, home goods, jewelry and art. Plenty of food trucks will be available, including burgers, kettle corn, tacos, desserts and more.
Friday’s entertainment lineup features Shiloh Steel, and the Play it Loud concert series presents Mike Hosty and KALO. On Saturday, enjoy performances by Amanda Coffee Reynolds, Vince Van and the Outlaws, and American Idol season 16’s top-five finalist Cade Foehner.
Entry to the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest is free. For event schedules, vendor information, directions and more visit FirelakeBalloonFest.com.