Red River Balloon Rally is a family-friendly ballooning event held in Shreveport-Bossier, in north Louisiana. The festival, which takes place every summer, features more than 30 hot air balloons, including many specially shaped. Attendees can watch competitive balloon flights, and professional kite flying exhibitions, as well as enjoy tethered balloon rides and delicious food and drinks from numerous vendors. In addition, the little ones can pass their time in the Kidz Fun Zone with many rides and fun activities.
Rally Highlights
The Red River Balloon Rally attracts more than 20,000 attendees to the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City. The highlights include mass ascensions, a larger-than-life balloon glow, and the fireworks show over the main stage during concerts. Entertainment lists a live music line-up of regional and nationally acclaimed musicians. On Friday and Saturday, the first concert takes place from 6 to 7 pm and the second concert from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm.
Location
Shreveport and Bossier City form a large urban area in northwest Louisiana, close to the border with Texas, on Interstate 20. Due to its flat terrain, the area is perfect for ballooning. It also boasts several airports: Shreveport Regional Airport, the Shreveport Downtown Airport, and the Barksdale Air Force Base. Shreveport-Bossier has been hosting hot air balloons since 1993.
Louisiana State Ballooning Championship
Over 20 hot air balloons compete in the skies in the Louisiana State Ballooning Championship. Red River Rally also featured the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship Race. a week-long competition. Teams usually have one practice day and five days of competition. Presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Red River Balloon Rally has become a magical experience for people of all ages, attracting thousands of families from north Louisiana and east Texas.
Tickets
General admission to the Red River Balloon Rally is $5 for all. Children 5 and under get in for free and do not require a ticket. Tickets are available online and at the gates. On-site parking is free. Tethered balloon rides are $20.
