BALLOON GLOW! The Great Forest Park Balloon Race at Central Fields in Forest Park

The 2026 Great Forest Park Balloon Race in the Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park. Dates: Friday and Saturday, September 18th & 19th.

The Balloon Glow will take place on Friday evening, September 18th, the fields open at 5pm, with the Balloon Glow between 6:45-8:45pm, a fireworks finale beginning at 9:15pm, plus music on the Main Stage and food trucks and concessions available.

Race Day is on Saturday, September 19th, with festivities beginning at 1pm. Children's games and activities, live entertainment such as Purina Pro Plan Performance Team, inflatables and more. There will be food trucks galore, midway concessions or bring your own picnic basket. The "Hare" Balloon launch will take place at 4:30pm with the "Hound" Balloon launch beginning at 4:45pm (The start of the race is weather dependent and can occur anytime between 4:30-6pm. Updates are posted on social media).

All events take place at the Emerson Central Fields. All events are FREE! VIP packages are available. See website for ALL the details!