The Great Forest Park Balloon Race 2024 in Midwest

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is an annual festival that takes place every September in Central Fields in Forest Park, St.Louis, Missouri. It attracts over 150,000 spectators every year, being the most well-attended free balloon race in the country. The festival also features live music on two stages, performances from St.Louis dance troupes, skydiving shows, food trucks, kids' entertainment, and various vendors.

The Forest Park Balloon Glow takes place on Friday and is the most popular event of the festival, attracting plenty of spectators from across the Great St. Louis area. Colorful balloons glowing like huge lanterns in the middle of the dark park is indeed a magical sight! The balloons don't fly in the darkness but are lifted slightly for the best visual effect. The spectacular fireworks display ends the evening at The Great Forest Park with a big bang.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Events Entertainment

In addition to balloons, the program features food trucks, the PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure for kids, midway rides, activities from St. Louis Children’s Hospital, tractor fun with Sydentricker Nobbe, inflatables, and a DJ set on the Main Stage, which starts at 6 pm.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race occurs on Saturday and is the oldest such event in U.S. history, only preceded by the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. It was held for the first time back in 1973 by famous balloonists of that time—Nikki Caplan and John O’Toole. Since then, it has become one of the favorite free events for several generations of St.Louis families.

Events Schedule

On Friday, visitors can start festivities with food trucks and events at the St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas. Midway concessions, inflatables, games, PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure and Activities from St. Louis Children’s Hospital, tractor fun with Sydentricker Nobbeand, and sponsor activities begin at 5 pm. DJ Reggie will perform at the WASH U Main Stage at 7 pm. The spectacular Balloon Glow will last from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm, followed by The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Takes Flight Show at 9 pm. The program-packed day ends with PNC Bank Fireworks at 9;15 pm.

The Race Day begins with Central Field opening at 1 pm, featuring Cheers to 51 years of The Great Forest Park Balloon Race at the WASH U Main Stage, a celebration of multiculturalism, music mentorship, and mental wellness with the Dragon Drum & Bugle Corps. Guests can also join the PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure PLUS Activities from St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and climb on a tractor with Sydentricker Nobbe, visit St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas or Purina Children’s Entertainment Area. There will be midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games, sponsor activities, and much more. “Hound” Balloons Launch will kick off at 4:45 pm, and the flight window for the Race will be between 4:30 and 6 pm.

Parking

There is free parking on all streets that are not closed for the race. Forest Park's parking lots will also be open to the public.

You should visit The Great Forest Park Balloon Race if you:

– want to visit the most well-attended free balloon race in the country;

– want to atteend at full-packed free hot-air balloon event;

– are looking for a family-friendly hot-air balloon event;

– prefer free parking.