Named #3 in the Top 40 Things to do in Oklahoma in 2014 by OKIESCENTRIC magazine. The dates for the 2017 Poteau Balloon Fest are Friday, October 20, 2017 and Saturday, October 21, 2017. Friday, October 20, 2017 the gates will open at 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Saturday, October 21, 2017 the gates will open at 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.