Schedule:

Hot Air Balloon:

A hot air balloon creates excitement that attracts and holds attention. More than six million spectators annually attend hundreds of balloon events nationwide, more than any other outdoor summer activity, including baseball games and car races.

Balloons launch Friday and Saturday Evening 7 PM

Balloons launch by 7:30 pm - Gates open at 5:00 pm to give spectators an early glimpse at the hot air balloons as pilots assemble them for their flights. (Weather Permitting)

First, the pilot and crew spread the colorful canopy out across the grass and connect the balloon envelope (canopy) to the gondola. Balloons are inflated with giant fans. Then the pilot ignites the burner forcing hot blasts of air into the balloon canopy, which causes it to rise. Remember your early science lessons – “Hot Air Rises.” Part of the romance in ballooning, is not knowing exactly where the air currents take you. Balloon pilots navigate by ascending and descending the balloons into different air currents, but they are incapable of actually “steering” the balloon into a precise location and can land miles from their launch site. Chase crews follow the balloons to their destinations as the balloons rarely land where they launch.

The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival is the First Showcase of its kind and will be similar to other Balloon & Wine Festivals around the country which have become successful including those in the Temecula Valley, California and Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. The Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 19, 5 pm – 11 pm and Saturday, August 20, 3 pm – 11 pm with Adult General Admission at $15 and Children under 12 at $8.00 and 5 & under free throughout the two Day Event.

Fun for the Kids!

Methodist Physicians Clinic KidZone

- Pony Rides
- Inflatable Bounce, Slides and Patriot Ride
- Bungee Jump Bouncing
- Face Painting
- Balloons
- Plus More

Friday, August 19, 2022

Festival Stage:

The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival on Friday evening will feature:

6:30 PM - 10:30 PM: The TAXI DRIVER

Taxi Driver is a popular, regional 6-piece variety band fronted by two female singers with great harmonies, and supplemented by our talented guys. Performing more than 80 shows a year….we specialize in professional events such as weddings, corporate, holiday & private parties, street dances, and clubs.

Our members: Michelle Irions (Co-manager and lead vocals), Al Irions (Co-manager and keys), Miles Loretta (drums/vocals), Mike Turner (guitar/vocals), Glen Smith (guitar/vocals), and Joe Gonzales (bass/vocals).

Wine and Food Experience:

Enhance the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival Featuring Wine & Food Experts!

The FOOD & WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

The 2022 Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival again offers an opportunity to taste a vast selection of wine paired with delicious foods. These Wines will be combined with delicious hors d’oeuvres and food pairings prepared by some of the best area chefs. Year after Yeear this sales out so do not miss out this year and get on early.

Session Schedule:

6:00 PM & 8:00 PM

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

$53 per person (Includes $17 Wine Tasting Ticket - 5 Tastes wine and Souvenir Wine Glass)

Carrabba’s in Omaha offers flavorful, handmade Italian dishes prepared to order in a lively exhibition kitchen. Guests enjoy Carrabba family recipes handed down for generations including crispy calamari, homemade lasagne and a variety of fresh fish, seafood and meats cooked over our wood-fired grill.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Presented by Tania Kinch-Rice of Carrabba’s

2022 MENU Friday at 6 PM & 8 PM

First Course:

Bruschetta Siciliani – Diced tomatoes tossed with red onions, kalamata olives, and fresh basil garnished with ricotta salata and served with toasted bread.

Wine Pairing with La Marca Prosseco

Second Course:

Penne Positano with Chicken – Penne pasta tossed in a fresh tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and olive oil topped with wood grilled chicken

Wine Pairing with Il Borro Pian di Nova

Third Course:

Sogno di Cioccolata – ?A rich fudge brownie with homemade chocolate mousse and fresh whipped cream

Wine Pairing with Bella Sera Moscato

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Festival Stage:

3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: FRONT RO - Rhythm & Blues

Ain’t no party like a Front Ro party and a Front Ro party don’t stop!!! The Front Ro band has been in Omaha since 1993 layin’ down the funk.

Formed of musicians who’ve played in various bands around Omaha, Front Ro brings it LIVE. Some cover, some originals, all high quality. Check us out when you hear we’re playin’, or send a note to get in touch. “Front Ro is a must see act!”o party and a Front Ro party don’t stop!!! The Front Ro band has been in Omaha since 1993 layin’ down the funk. Formed of musicians who’ve played in various bands around Omaha, Front Ro brings it LIVE. Some cover, some originals, all high quality. Check us out when you hear we’re playin’, or send a note to get in touch. “Front Ro is a must see act!”

6:30 PM - 10:30 PM: High Heel

Omaha’s #1 family friendly band!

With the sole purpose of having fun with the audience, this band covers a wide variety of your favorite songs including classic rock, new country, disco and sweet ballads.

Featuring lead vocalist Lisa Larsen, most recognized by her amazing vocals and of course her… high heels!
She is all over the stage and in the audience, creating an interactive show that’s charming to watch as well as listen to. Her signature move is to walk out into the crowd and deliver the performance within arms reach, considered nothing less than endearing.

Lisa was the lead singer for the band HIGH HEEL & THE SNEEKERS, where she toured the region locally in the early 90’s. Sharing the stage with Lisa:
Clay Gochenour (bass and lead vocals), Vince Andreasen (drums and fun vocals),
Doug Parker (keyboards & piano… x’s 6), and David Carabello (lead guitarist).

HIGH HEEL… more than a band, it’s a show!

Wine and Food Experience:

Enhance the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival Featuring Wine & Food Experts!

The FOOD & WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

The 2022 Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival again offers an opportunity to taste a vast selection of wine paired with delicious foods. These Wines will be combined with delicious hors d’oeuvres and food pairings prepared by some of the best area chefs. Year after Yeear this sales out so do not miss out this year and get on early.

Session Schedule:

6:00 PM & 8:00 PM

Outback Steakhouse & WineStyles
By Elizabeth Rotramel of Outback Steakhouse and Ata Rodgers from WineStyles

$53 per person (Includes $17 Wine Tasting Ticket – 5 Tastes wine and Souvenir Wine Glass)

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed American casual dining restaurant chain, serving American cuisine.

WineStyles

Choose from hundreds of wines and craft beers that have been sorted for you by style and taste to complement our selection of handcrafted chocolates, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet food. Great wines don’t need to be expensive. Whether you’re looking for an amazing $10-$25 bottle of wine or a unique gift, we strive to create the best shopping experience in town.

Outback & WineStyles

OutbackUTBACK STEAKHOUSE WITH WINESTYLES

Presented by Elizabeth Rotramel of Outback Steakhouse and Ata Rodgers of Winestyles

2022 MENU Saturday at 6 PM & 8 PM

First Course:

Chop Salad-Fresh greens, carrot and cabbage mix, green onion, aussie crunch and candied cinnamon pecans tossed in house made blue cheese vinaigrette dressing and topped with blue cheese crumbles

Wine Pairing with Australian Yalumba Chardonnay Wine

Second Course:

Prime Rib - Herb crusted prime rib, slow roasted and sliced immediately before being served over creamy homestyle mashed potatoes and drizzled with a rich peppercorn sauce

Wine Pairing with Australian Yalumba Shiraz Wine

Third Course:

Butter Cake - Sweet butter cake topped with whipped cream and strawberry sauce

Wine Pairing with Australian Yalumba Viognier Wine

The FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE Sessions will be set up classroom style with wine glasses and conducted by Culinary Chefs, Vintners and Wine Experts. These sessions will involve flights of wine paired with food tasting. Mike Mancuso, Festival Manager, indicated “This Event has had such a Great response every year at the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, we have to keep bringing it back.” Whether you are a wine connoisseur, wine lover or simply interested in trying something new, the Food and Wine Experience will offer a special interaction of chefs with wine tastings. It represents the culinary aspect of enjoying great wine and a fun way to discover the chemistry of life’s simplest indulgences!”

Helicopter Rides:

Take off from the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival Balloon Field in the Husker Helicopter. Fly around the Scenic Area for approximately 15 minutes for a Once in a Lifetime Experience and Check it off your Bucket List!

Seats are limited and I am sure they will fill up fast, so if you pass the below requirements purchase your tickets Today!

____ You can be at the Balloon Field Saturday from 3:00PM – 6:30PM.

____ You are willing to sign a release form before you can fly.

____ The Helicopter can fly up to three and your weights will be assessed so if you are interested in flying solo or in a group we can make it happen, it will still be Only $75 per person.

Date:

August 19-20, 2022

Hours:

Friday, August 19, 2022 - 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 20, 2022 - 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Location:

Ta Ha Zouka Park,
905 Elkhorn Drive,
Elkhorn, NE 68022

Tickets: https://showofficeonline.com/NebraskaWineBalloon/ticket-outlets/

Click here for More Information