Admission Prices

Festival Admission:

Admission is required for ages 4 & over.  Gate admission is $5 per person.  We are offering a special Pre-Purchase Family Package for $20 which includes 5 armbands, must be bought from the Chamber Office. When using Debit or Credit Card there will be a 5% fee per transaction.

The following shows and attractions are NOT included with gate admission armband and require a separate fee: Helicopter Rides, Mean Machine Monster Truck Rides, Tethered Balloon Rides, Carnival Rides, Pony Rides, any other ride attractions.

Tickets for all ride attractions cannot be purchased in advance and are purchased from individual vendors or attraction operators.  We do not set or control pricing on ride attractions. Pricing for previous years is as follows: helicopter rides-$40 per person; Carnival Rides - Thursday night only, there is no parking or gate admission fee and the carnival offers a $20 armband. On Friday from 7p - 11p & Saturday from noon - 4p & 6p - 10p the carnival is offering a $25 armband, but on-site parking and gate admission armbands are required. Tethered balloon rides are $10 per person with age, height and weight restriction. For individuals inquiring about Tethered rides, participants MUST be tall enough to see over the basket (approximately 4 feet). 

Armband sales begin August 1, 2021 for $5 each. We are offering a special Pre-Purchase Family Package for $20, this includes 5 armbands for gate admission and must be purchased before Friday, October 18th at 5pm. To purchase armbands in advance, please call 918-647-9178. 

If using Debit or Credit Card there will be a 5% fee per transaction.

Details to come!

For a timeline of events click here.

Little Mr. & Mrs. Balloon Fest Pageant Form

Pet Contest Form

Pumpkin Mud Run Form

Please visit our member directory to find a list of restaurants, hotel and motels, rv parks or campgrounds that are Chamber members!

Free parking is available at Carl Albert State College parking lot.  FREE shuttle buses are also available to transport to and from the Balloon Festival. Pick Up & Drop Off for all shuttle buses is at the Main Gate. 

Parking on the Main Grounds is $5 per vehicle includes buses, handicap and motorcycle.  If you leave and return, you will have to pay again to park on the main grounds.

Here at the Poteau Chamber, we know from experience with any event, especially one of this size, it takes a number of people to help pull it off and make it a successful event.  All of our volunteers receive a Poteau Balloon Fest volunteer shirt and free gate admission.  Volunteers can sign up online or by calling the Poteau Chamber at 918-647-9178.

Our volunteers are the heart of our community and are greatly appreciated for the time that they put in.  We ask that you remember that those working this event are volunteers. Please treat them with respect.  Each year we also ask for nominations for a "Balloon Fest Volunteer of the Year".  If one of our volunteers went above and beyond, please find out their name and let us know how they helped you by emailing us or contacting us at the Chamber Information tent located near the front gate. 

To view the Volunteer Handbook click here
To view the volunteer training click here

The Poteau Balloon Fest is quickly becoming one of the most sought out events  for vendors in the State of Oklahoma. Vendor space at our festival is limited!  All vendors are accepted on a first paid basis.  You must send in full payment and deposits with your completed application.  No special treatment is given to any vendor, local or non-local, first time or returning.  All payments must be made payable to Poteau Balloon Fest.

Vendor forms for the 2021 Festival are below:

FOOD VENDOR (LIMITED)

NON-FOOD VENDOR (INCLUDES POLITICAL, BUSINESS, ARTS & CRAFTS)

RIDE & ATTRACTION

NON-PROFIT & CHAMBER MEMBERS

The Poteau Balloon Fest brings over 20,000 people to our area each year.   To hold such a large event successfully takes the work and involvement of many within our community.  We would like to thank our many sponsors for their continued support and investment.  If you are interested in sponsoring the 2020 Poteau Balloon Fest you may obtain a form below or by contacting us at the Poteau Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsorship is open to any business or vendor.  

Presenting Sponsorship Form

Balloon Fest Sponsorship Form