Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival

Why is the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival only in Elko this year? 

This is our most frequently asked question, and there are multiple parts to your answer. In short, moving the entire event to Elko City Park was more economically feasible, and logistically appropriate. This year, we currently have 12 confirmed balloons joining the festival. We are especially proud to welcome the POW*MIA Freedom Flight V balloon, along with the Elko Veterans Corps, as they help us remember the National POW*MIA Recognition Day, on Friday, Sept. 19th. Don’t forget the Glow Show Friday night. While 12 balloons may seem like a small amount at first, it is truly a pleasing turnout. We are competing with other nearby festivals this year. It is understandable that pilots would stay closer to their home areas. The Elko Area Chamber has joined in on the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival fun, by hosting the FIRST ever Balloons & Bubbly Walk. Think Wine Walk, only better, with Balloons! Feel free to dress in your favorite balloon themed attire and visit all the stops. Ruby Mountain Hot Air Inc. members will have raffles and a balloon SURPRISE waiting for you at Lostra Enterprises. Ruby Mountain Hot Air Inc. is a non-profit organization with limited resources. We are thankful and very lucky to live in this community where local businesses still believe in sponsoring family-friendly events. Thank you, sponsors and volunteers. We honestly could not bring our community this event without your generosity. Plans have already begun for our 25th Anniversary Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival next year. Save the Dates of September 18, 19, 20, 2026. We always love to welcome new sponsors and members to our meetings. Join our balloon family on the first Thursday of each month at 6 PM in the Ledgestone Hotel Meeting room.

See you in the Sky, 

Ruby Mountain Hot Air Inc.