Great Texas Balloon Race
Schedule
Fri Jun 12 2026 at 05:00 pm to 11:45 pm
UTC-05:00Location
1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75604 | Longview, TX
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The 49th annual Great Texas Balloon Race returns June 12-14 to the Longview Convention Complex. This world class event attracts the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world. Considered by many of the pilots that compete at the Great Texas Balloon Race to be the best run event on the circuit, the Great Texas Balloon Race earned Longview the official designation as "The Balloon Capital of Texas" by the Governor of Texas in 1985.The mornings of June 12-14 will feature daily balloon flights over Longview as pilots compete in the competition. Check GTBR.net and our social media to find public launch targets each day of the race.
Meanwhile, the Great Texas Balloon Race festival will be Friday, June 12, through Saturday, June 13. All ticketed events will be held at the Longview Convention Complex, 1123 Jaycee Drive. Gates open at 5 p.m. June 13-14 for the festival, which includes (weather permitting) special shape balloon inflations, RE/MAX skydiving team, vendors, KidsLand, tethered balloon rides, Bill Bussey Balloon Glows, a drone show, live music, and more.
Tickets are available EXCLUSIVELY at GTBR.net.
Event Schedule (weather permitting)
June 12:
5:00 PM: Gates Open at Longview Convention Complex
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Walk-About Balloon Experience
7:00 PM: Tethered Balloon Rides $25 per person (cash)
7:30 PM: Opening band (TBA)
8:15 PM: Special Shapes Spectacular
8:45 PM: Great Texas Balloon Race Opening Ceremony
8:50 PM: The Bill Bussey Balloon Glow
Following balloon glow: Drone show
9:45 PM: Entertainment headliner (TBA)
12:00 AM: Gates Close for the Day
June 13:
5:00 PM: Gates Open at Longview Convention Complex
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Walk-About Balloon Experience
7:00 PM: Tethered Balloon Rides $25 per person (cash)
7:30 PM: Opening Band (TBA)
8:15 PM: Special Shapes Spectacular
8:45 PM: Great Texas Balloon Race Opening Ceremony
8:50 PM: The Bill Bussey Balloon Glow
Following balloon glow: Drone show
9:45 PM: Entertainment headliner (TBA)
12:00 AM: Gates Close for the Day See less
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Where is it happening?
1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75604Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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