2301 Wedekind Dr, Middletown, OH 45042
July 21st - 23rd, 2023

The Ohio Challenge

It it more than just hot air.

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July 21st – 22nd 2023


Set you calendars. Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival is back full of hot air for July 21st - 23rd, 2023. All festival activities are weather permitting. No personal canopies/tents will be permitting inside the park.

Visit us on social media for live updates of the event.


Featured Activities

Hot Air Balloons

Come experience an up close adventure with Hot Air Balloons.

Night Balloon Glow

A fan favorite, the night balloon glow is a magical display that families look forward to every year. This year’s balloon glows will be Friday and Saturday at dusk.

Jumbotron Video Board

Watch as the Ohio Challenge balloon festival is streamed to a giant video board in real time.

Car Show

Come check out cars of all type from old school to new school at Ohio Challenge’s annual car show Saturday July 22nd.

Firework Show

Booms and lights will fill Middletown’s skys both Friday and Saturday night as we put on our amazing fireworks display following the balloon glow.

Tethered Ballon Rides

Experience the thrill of floating up in the air on a hot air balloon to see the world from above at an affordable cost.

Plane & Helicopter Rides

You can even buy rides on a plane from the our city’s own Butler County Warbirds or a helicopter around the city.

Plane Show

Come watch Saturday from 5-6 as plane zip and soar through the skies to put on a miraculous show.

Virtual Plane Jump

Watch a live POV stream of professional sky divers barreling toward the festival in real time for the first of it’s kind show.

Carnival Rides

Carnival rides for children and adults of all ages. Come enjoy the thrills of the rides.



Schedule Coming Soon!!!


Festival Information

The festival is open 5pm to 10:30pm Friday, July 21st  and Saturday, July 22nd.
Walk-in admission is $5 per adult, 13 and up. 12 and under are free.
Parking is $15 w/ free shuttle and admission for all in the car.

VIP Parking Inside the park is available for $35/car.
Parking Shuttle from the Airport Entrance

Shuttle service will not be available inside Smith park

No personal canopies/tents will be permitted inside the park

2301 Wedekind Dr, Middletown, OH 45042




Event Map