Frequently Asked Questions
Event Details
Where the festival located?
FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival is located at 1702 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma, 74801, just 30 minutes east of Oklahoma City.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed on the festival grounds. Service animals are permitted.
How much does it cost?
Admission to the festival is free, including parking, fireworks and live entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for the vendor market, food trucks, tethered rides ($20) and kids’ activities ($10 wristband). There is one ATM on site.
How much does parking cost?
Parking for the festival is free. Find a parking map here.
Are lawn chairs allowed?
Lawn chairs and blankets are not provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own!
Can I bring my own food or drink?
No outside food or drink is allowed on the festival grounds, however, plenty of food and drink options will be available for purchase.
Prohibited items:
No alcohol, drugs or firearms are permitted on the festival grounds or camp sites.
Kids’ Activities
How much do kids’ activities cost?
A $10 wristband is required for activities within the Kids’ Zone. Wristbands are valid for the entire weekend.
What does the Kids’ Zone include?
The Kids’ Zone includes inflatables, youth carnival rides and camel rides.
Please note that some rides and activities have height and weight requirements for passenger safety, and passengers who do not meet the safety requirements will be denied entry even if they have purchased a wristband.
Vendors
How do I sign up to be a vendor?
Vendor registration will be available here beginning in May 2024. Registration will close when all spaces are filled.
Do you have a list of vendors?
Find a list of vendors on our official mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store.
Sponsorship
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
The 2024 Sponsorship Packet is available here.
Balloons
What is a tethered ride?
For tethered rides, balloons remain anchored to the ground and do not leave the festival site. Balloons rise to approximately tree-top level and then return to the ground. Tethered rides are available for purchase for $20 per person on a first come, first serve basis. There is no pre-registration for tethered rides, and guests are encouraged to arrive early. All balloon events are completely weather dependent.
How much are tethered rides?
Tethered rides are $20 per person and offered on a first come, first serve basis. There is no pre-registration for tethered rides, and guests are encouraged to arrive early.
How can I purchase a tethered ride?
Tethered rides can be purchased on site for $20 per person on a first come, first serve basis. There is no pre-registration for tethered rides, and guests are encouraged to arrive early.
Is there a minimum age for tethered rides?
There is no minimum age for tethered rides. The cost is $20 per person, regardless of age.
What are commercial rides?
Commercial balloon rides are flights lasting approximately 30-60 minutes. Commercial flights can be purchased in advance for $300. Registration for commercial flights will open in July 2024. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early! Registration will open first to users of our official mobile app – download it today on Google Play or the App Store.
All balloon events are completely weather dependent. All flights are strictly under the direction of the Balloonmeister. Sometimes, due to impending weather or present weather conditions, balloons will launch early, late or not at all.
A typical balloon flight is approximately three hours from set-up through pack-up, with the actual flight lasting approximately 30-60 minutes depending on wind.
Can I ride with my friends/family?
Basket sizes vary from balloon to balloon and each basket has its own weight capacity. Most baskets can accommodate 2-4 passengers. While we will do our best to put all passengers together when possible, passengers are not guaranteed to ride together.
Is there a dress code for commercial rides?
Yes! All passengers are required to wear closed-toe shoes. In addition, all passengers should wear long pants and avoid loose clothing. Passengers that do not follow the dress code will not be allowed to fly.
Is there an age limit for commercial rides?
Age and mobility requirements are determined by each pilot individually. Generally, passengers must be able to climb into and out of the basket unassisted.
How much are commercial rides?
Commercial rides are available for purchase for $300 per person. Commercial ride registration will open in July 2024. There are a limited number of flights, so watch our Facebook page and website for registration to go live!
What is a balloon launch?
During a balloon launch, several pilots take to the sky from the festival grounds. All balloon events are completely weather dependent.
How long can I see balloons after they launch?
Balloons launch as soon as they inflate, so the best viewing time is 7 a.m.
What is a balloon glow?
For balloon glows, pilots inflate their balloons on the balloon field at dusk, illuminating the balloons. This is a popular photo opportunity!
All balloon events are completely weather dependent.
Music and Entertainment
Are the music performances outside?
Yes! The music performances are all outside and are weather dependent. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Are tickets required?
No tickets are required for any of the music performances at Fireflight Balloon Fest.
5K
What time is the 5K?
The 5K starts at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center.
Where does the 5K take place?
The 5K begins at the CPN Cultural Heritage Center at 1899 Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801. The race course runs through the adjoining FireLake Golf Course, is mostly flat with a brief incline/decline at the beginning, and is comprised of both concrete and grass areas.
How can I register for the 5K?
Online registration will be available beginning May 2024. Registration will open first to users of our official mobile app – download it today on Google Play or the App Store.
What hospitality will be available?
A First Aid station with bottled water will be available at approximately the midway point on the course, and refreshments will be available at the finish line for participants.
Prohibited items:
No strollers or pets are allowed on the course.
How can I find out my time and place?
All participants will be professionally chip timed and receive an official race finish time. Results will be available on runsignup.com within 48 hours of race finish. Awards will be given for top overall male and female finishers.
What if I registered but can’t attend the race?
No refunds will be issued to participants who register for the event but are unable to attend. Please contact the race director, Leslie Cooper, at lcooper@potawatomi.org to receive packet or medal if desired.
Is the 5k wheelchair friendly?
The 5k course runs through FireLake Golf Course and includes both concrete and grass. It is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Don’t see your question answered?
Contact the race director, Leslie Cooper, at lcooper@potawatomi.org.
RV
Do the RV spaces have water, electric and sewer hookup?
Yes! Our RV spaces are full hookup.
Will my RV fit at your RV park?
We can accommodate most RVs. Campers are required to indicate the size of their RV at registration so that we can ensure proper placement.
What time can I park my RV?
RV park information for 2024 coming soon.
How much does an RV space cost?
RV spot registration is $100. This includes full hookup accommodations for the Fireflight Balloon Fest weekend.
How can I reserve an RV spot?
RV registration for will open in May 2024. Registration will open first to users of our official mobile app – download it today on Google Play or the App Store.
Where is my assigned RV parking spot?
Campers will be assigned a parking spot and will receive a map indicating their placement. Staff on-site will also be available to help campers locate their assigned parking spot. Find a map here.
Can I bring my pet?
Leashed animals are allowed at camp sites only. No pets are allowed on the Festival grounds.
Prohibited items:
No alcohol, drugs, firearms, or open fires are allowed at camping sites.
Accessibility
Do you have wheelchairs or mobility scooters?
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed on festival grounds, but are not provided.
Are the grounds walker friendly?
The festival grounds are a combination of concrete, grass and gravel.
Are there gluten free food options?
All food sold on site is dependent on our vendors. There is no food truck solely dedicated to gluten free food, but there will be a wide variety of food options available.