Experience The Ohio Challenge

Posted on Jul 12

It's more than just hot air...

It's that time of year— come experience the annual Ohio Challenge! This incredible hot air balloon competition brings some of the best pilots in the country to right here in the city of Middletown. But it's more than just hot air --- The Ohio Challenge also features a variety of festival activities. You don't want to miss this one-of-a-kind event.

The Details

When: Friday, July 21st, 2023 from 5pm - 10:30pm | Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 from 5pm - 10:30pm

Where: 2301 Wedekind Drive, Middletown OH 45042

Admission: $5 per Adult (Ages 13+) | Ages 12 & Under are Free

Parking: Parking will be $15 with a free shuttle and free admission for all passengers in the car. The parking shuttle will run from the airport entrance. VIP Parking inside the park is available for $35 per car. Parking will also be available in Smith Park, but there will be no shuttle service. Get detailed directions here.

Featured Activities

Come out and enjoy the sky being filled with beautiful colors, and the hot air balloons in all of their glory. See 20+ hot air balloons flying through the sky and also a variety of balloons static displayed on the ground. In addition to the competition, there will be a variety of festival activities. Check them out below!

Balloon Glow: A fan favorite! Watch over 20 balloons light up the night sky. Hear the flames roar and the fans cheer as the balloons glow from the ground level. It's a truly magical display that families look forward to every year. This year’s balloon glows will be held both Friday and Saturday at dusk.

Fireworks: There will be an amazing display of fireworks, lighting up the sky following the Balloon Glow.

Tethered Balloon Rides: Float up in the air on a hot air balloon for a thrilling experience at an affordable cost.

Classic Car Show: For all of the car enthusiasts, there will be a classic car show featuring unique automobiles, vintage vehicles, and new generation cars. The car show will be Saturday, July 22nd from 2 - 8PM. There will be awards for the Top 30 cars, as well as Best of Show and Sponsor’s Choice.

Plane and Helicopter Rides: Plane and helicopter rides from the Butler County Warbirds are available for purchase.

Plane Show: Saturday from 5p-6p watch planes put on a show and soar through the sky.

Virtual Plane Jump: Watch a livestream POV of professional sky divers barreling toward the festival.

Additional Activities: The Ohio Challenge activities are fun for all ages, bringing vendors from all around the country. Grab some delicious food from one of the many different food vendors, and there will also be drink vendors for the 21+ crowd. Other vendors will be selling artisan goods and hot air balloon merchandise. There will also be a variety of carnival rides and entertainment for kids and adults alike.