Great Texas Balloon Race 2024

This Hot Air Ballon Festival in Texas is a world class competition attracting the best pilots from across the world. It is a Balloon Federation of America event and one of the most important big balloon events in Texas, and is included in top-20 list of hot air balloon festivals in the U.S.

Great Texas Balloon Race Events and Entertainment

Great Texas Balloon Race is a three-day festival held every June at the East Texas Regional Airport field outside Longview. Due to this race, Longview earned the title of "The Balloon Capital of Texas," granted in 1985. Every summer, about 50 balloonists participate in the exciting competition. Other entertainment activities include live concerts, balloon tours, and flights. Balloon Glows will entertain spectators every night with a great display of color and excitement. Specially shaped balloons that look like Darth Vader, Master Yoda, Tall Steve, Claw’d, and Neptuno will be at various locations in Longview.

Everyone can get up close and watch how balloons are inflated and operated. Dozens of vendors display their arts, crafts and other merchandise in booths lined up along an improvised midway. Kids Land is a restricted area for children that requires to pay a small entry fee. Activities and attractions differ from year to year but it is always a fun time.

Festival Friday Schedule

On the first day of the Festival, attendees can enjoy the BFA U.S. Nationals Hot Air Balloon Championship Competition Flight over Longview, GTBR and Young Guns Competition Flight (both at 6:30 am), the Special Shapes and Model Balloon static inflations (7 am), Jenn Ford & the Wide Eyed Devils in Concert (6:30 pm), Special Shapes Spectacular (8:15 am), Great Texas Balloon Race Opening Ceremony (8:45 am), Balloon Glow (8:50 pm), followed by Drone Show, and a concert by The Hollow Decks (9:30 pm). Gates open at Longview Convention Complex at 4 pm and close at 12 am.

Festival Saturday Schedule

On Saturday, the Festival invites guests to visit the BFA U.S. Nationals Hot Air Balloon Championship Competition Flight over Longview, GTBR and Young Guns Competition Flight (both at 6:30 am), the Special Shapes and Model Balloon static inflations (7 am), a concert by Danielle Bradbery opener (6:30 pm), Special Shapes Spectacular (8:15 am), Great Texas Balloon Race Opening Ceremony (8:45 am), Balloon Glow (8:50 pm), followed by Drone Show, a live performance by headliner Mark Wills (9:30 pm). Gates open at Longview Convention Complex at 4 pm and close at 12 am.

Festival Sunday Schedule

The final day of the festival will host the BFA U.S. Nationals Hot Air Balloon Championship Competition Flight over Longview, GTBR and Young Guns Competition Flight at 6:30 am.

Tickets

Festival Friday Tickets cost $15 night, Saturday Tickets cost $20 and $30 for both nights. Children 12 and under have a free entrance. Festival guests can can purchase tickets at the gate and online.

Festival History

The Great Texas Balloon Race was first held in 1978, and it appeared after much effort by Dr. Bill Bussey, D.D.S., a world-record hot air balloon pilot, and Frankie Parson Riggins and Mary LeTourneau, Longview Mall managers. Due to increasing attendance, the launch site was moved to the Stroh Brewery complex in 1985. The race was not held from 1987 to 1989. In 1990, it returned with the support of Gordon Lively of Lively Olds-Cadillac-GMC. Organizers say that The Great Texas Balloon Race is dedicated to providing a family-oriented, world-class event promoting the sport of ballooning.