Great Forest Park Balloon Race Weekend: Race

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Weekend

Glow:

Friday, September 18

Race:

Saturday, September 19

The Glow | FRIday, SEPTember 18

5 p.m. – Emerson Central Fields Open

Dance with DJ Reggie at the Main Stage

Food trucks, concessions and St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas open! (visit the

FAQs page

for more info about coolers and concessions).

Midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities begin

6:45–8:45 p.m.* – Balloon Glow

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 p.m. – U.S. Army Golden Knights Skydiving Team

9:15 p.m. – Fireworks Finale

RACE

DAY | SATurday, SEPTember 19

1 p.m. – Emerson Central Fields Open

Celebrate 54 years of GFPBR at the

Main Stage

featuring DJ Reggie

St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas Open

Purina Children’s Entertainment Area opens, featuring Purina Pro Plan Performance Team performances at 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities begin

3–3:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies with appearance from the U.S. Army Golden Knights Skydiving Team

4:30 P.M.** – “Hare” Balloon Launches

4:45 P.M.** – “Hound” Balloons Launch

*The flight window for THE RACE is between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Our goal is always to launch as scheduled. However, exact launch time is weather dependent. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race pilot team monitors wind conditions and flight path details in coordination with the national weather service, our pilots and air traffic control. Real-time updates will be posted on our social media channels.