The Great Forest Park Balloon Race

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race FREE annual weekend of family fun featuring 50 hot air balloons. Igniting joy & creating connection across generations. Presented by Stifel. Sept. 18–19, 2026.
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The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by PNC Bank, will return to Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park on Friday (THE GLOW), Sept 15 and Saturday (RACE DAY), Sept. 16. This much-loved annual tradition brings families and friends together for two days of outdoor fun, “wow” moments, new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. And, thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, attendance is FREE for all to enjoy! The race, which celebrated it's 50th year in 2022, is widely considered one of the best in the country – it was even inducted into the Library of Congress and honored as a “Local Legacy” in 2000. The event started as a small affair in 1973, featuring just seven balloons and about a dozen spectators on Cricket Field in the northern edge of Forest Park. Since then, it’s grown to new heights - welcoming more than 100,000 spectators over the weekend each year. And, there's so much joy around these balloons - from the grandparent introducing their grandchildren
to an event they've been attending for years, to a group of friends, or a couple on their first date, GFPBR brings smiles, "wow" moments, new experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Visit our website to find out more! http://greatforestparkballoonrace.com/

Thanks for glowing… and smiling… and dancing with us, St. Louis! Please tag Great Forest Park Balloon Race as you share ...
09/19/2026

Thanks for glowing… and smiling… and dancing with us, St. Louis! Please tag Great Forest Park Balloon Race as you share your favorite photos and videos from the weekend!

The fun continues today for the Race. Festival grounds reopen at 1pm. See the full schedule of events at www.GreatForestParkBalloonRace.com

📷 Tyler Small

09/19/2026
It’s still going! We’re thrilled to have the iconic Energizer Bunny Balloon (yes, the original) ears-up again in Emerson...
09/19/2026

It’s still going! We’re thrilled to have the iconic Energizer Bunny Balloon (yes, the original) ears-up again in Emerson Central Fields.

Thank you to STL’s own Energizer for being a 2026 contributing sponsor and helping keep the Great Forest Park Balloon Race free for everyone! From 1992 through 2014, the Energizer Bunny was a fan favorite of the Glow and Race. After a brief hiatus, it’s back – along with pink bunny ears as a giveaway for festival attendees – and we couldn’t be more excited! If you missed tonight’s GLOW, the Bunny will be inflated and tethered again ahead of tomorrow’s RACE. Festival grounds open again on Saturday at 1p.m.

The 54th annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race team is ready for you, St Louis! Let’s GLOW! 🔥🎈Festival grounds open at 5...
09/18/2026

The 54th annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race team is ready for you, St Louis! Let’s GLOW! 🔥🎈

Festival grounds open at 5pm, with the Glow scheduled for 6:45-8:45pm. Head to GreatForestParkBalloonRace.com for road closures, festival maps, the schedule, FAQs and more.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by Stifel is always free, thanks to our incredible sponsors.

📷 Tyler Small

Coming to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race this weekend in Forest Park? Here’s what you need to know to ignite joy all...
09/18/2026

Coming to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race this weekend in Forest Park? Here’s what you need to know to ignite joy all weekend! ⛅️🎈✨☀️

For more details, check out our website at www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com. We can’t wait to see you on September 18 + 19!

09/18/2026
I am one of the oldest and largest free hot air balloon races in the United States.I am where over 100,000 people lookin...
09/30/2025

I am one of the oldest and largest free hot air balloon races in the United States.

I am where over 100,000 people looking to slow down and create lasting memories come annually for the weekend to celebrate.

I am hot air balloons glowing against the night sky on Friday, and soaring along the horizon on Saturday.

I am here for those seeking joy, connection, and an unforgettable experience — together.

I am the St. Louis family tradition since 1973.

I am the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.

I am St. Louis.

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Address

Emerson Central Fields, Forest Park
St. Louis, MO
63112

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