Great Balloon Race is an annual ballooning fiesta, gathering crowds for a fun-packed weekend in late July at Lake Storey Park in Galesburg, IL. The festival focuses on the competition, featuring about 30 hot air balloons operated by pilots from all across the country. The pilots gladly share their balloons and related stories with local families. In addition, the guests to the Galesburg Balloon Race can indulge in the traditional balloon glow show and other family-friendly activities and entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
Festivities typically open at 3 pm on Friday. Mass balloon launches are scheduled for 6 pm and 6 am through Sunday. Balloon glow spectaculars at 8:30 pm highlight the evening program on Friday and Saturday. Other attractions include a motorcycle show on Saturday afternoon, children's crafts, and surely food vendors to keep you full and contented.
If you wish to stay tuned for the latest announcements, please check with Galesburg's Great Balloon Race's official website or Facebook, listed in our External Resources section below. Note that the schedule typically changes closer to the event, since all activities are weather-dependent. Lastly, you might also want to book a stay nearby from the accommodations' map.
