The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is an annual hot air balloon festival held in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. With more than 70 entrants and 130,000 spectators, it is the most well-attended single-day hot air balloon race in the United States
Upcoming St. Louis Events
- This event has passed.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
September 20, 2019 - September 21, 2019
Free
Friday, September 20, 2019
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, Balloon Glow at Central Fields
5:00 P.M. – FESTIVITIES BEGIN
Plan ahead, find the perfect viewing area for you and your family and join us for dinner at Central Fields! Enjoy tasty fare from food trucks, concessionaires, and activities – all open beginning at 5 p.m. Or pack your own (soft-sided coolers, please) and settle in at one of the Enterprise Family Picnic areas!
6:00 P.M. – LIVE MUSIC FROM BOOGIE CHYLD ON THE MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY MAIN STAGE
DUSK UNTIL 9 P.M. – BALLOON GLOW OFFICIALLY BEGINS.
The balloons “glow” like huge fireflies, a truly magical scene, and one not to be missed! The balloons do not launch during the balloon glow but for a portion of the evening (weather permitting) the rope line will be released, and spectators will be invited to walk around to enjoy the view and chat with pilots and crew.
9:15 P.M.— PNC BANK FIREWORKS FINALE
Saturday, September 21, 2019
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC Bank
12:00 P.M. – THE GREAT FOREST PARK BALLOON RACE FESTIVITIES BEGIN
- Maryville University Main Stage featuring DJ Reggie
- Enterprise Family Picnic Areas Open
- Purina Children’s Entertainment Area Opens Featuring:
- Purina Pro Plan Performance Team
- Children’s Hospital Activities
- PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure
- Performances from location St. Louis dance and theatre troupes
- Inflatables, games, giveaways
- Midway concessions, food trucks and sponsor activities begin – including fun and giveaways from Phillips 66, MO Lottery, Marcus Wehrenberg Theatres and more.
