The Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Glow
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"THE ST. LOUIS FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1973"
MISSION
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race (GFPBR) weekend is all about free, family fun. We are here to ignite joy, encourage connections, and create unforgettable experiences—bringing people together to slow down, celebrate, and create treasured memories.
WHAT IS THE GFPBR?
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is a St. Louis family
tradition that brings the community together for a weekend
of unforgettable memories. Every year, thousands gather to
watch the breathtaking hot air balloons light up during Friday
night's Glow and soar through the sky during Saturday’s
Race. With delicious food, live music, and activities for all
ages, it’s a fun-filled event the whole family can enjoy. Best
of all, it’s always free—making it the perfect way for everyone
to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories together.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest running hot air balloon races in the country, and the only one that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Now an internationally renowned event, GFPBR welcomes more than 50 of the nation's best hot air balloon pilots.
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, The Great Forest Park Balloon Race remains a FREE EVENT for all to enjoy family fun in Forest Park.
THE GLOW
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
The balloons “glow” like huge fireflies, a truly magical scene, and one not to be missed! The more than 50 hot air balloons inflate and tether in assigned spaces on the launch field. At the Glow, the balloons do not launch 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.
THE RACE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is a Hare and Hound-style race. The “Hare” balloon leads the pack, getting a head start at launch time and landing first. The other balloons, called "Hounds" launch in waves shortly after in pursuit of the "Hare" balloon. Once the Hare balloon lands, the pilot and crew lay an “X” out on the ground as a target. The pilot who drops their birdseed/bean bag nearest the center of the target is the winner!
Wind direction on Race Day (Sept. 19) will determine where the balloons fly and land. In the past, balloons have landed in all corners of the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding communities. You never know when a balloon might land on your street, a nearby park or a parking lot near your home!
A UNIQUE HISTORY
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is the one of only two 50 plus-year-old races balloon race in the country, and the ONLY one that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Through the generous support of sponsors, the Race has grown to become an internationally renowned event that many St. Louis families have embraced as a multi-generational tradition. For as many things that have changed since the Race began in 1973, one thing that will never change is its free admission.
www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com
MISSION
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race (GFPBR) weekend is all about free, family fun. We are here to ignite joy, encourage connections, and create unforgettable experiences—bringing people together to slow down, celebrate, and create treasured memories.
WHAT IS THE GFPBR?
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is a St. Louis family
tradition that brings the community together for a weekend
of unforgettable memories. Every year, thousands gather to
watch the breathtaking hot air balloons light up during Friday
night's Glow and soar through the sky during Saturday’s
Race. With delicious food, live music, and activities for all
ages, it’s a fun-filled event the whole family can enjoy. Best
of all, it’s always free—making it the perfect way for everyone
to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories together.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest running hot air balloon races in the country, and the only one that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Now an internationally renowned event, GFPBR welcomes more than 50 of the nation's best hot air balloon pilots.
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, The Great Forest Park Balloon Race remains a FREE EVENT for all to enjoy family fun in Forest Park.
THE GLOW
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
The balloons “glow” like huge fireflies, a truly magical scene, and one not to be missed! The more than 50 hot air balloons inflate and tether in assigned spaces on the launch field. At the Glow, the balloons do not launch 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.
THE RACE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is a Hare and Hound-style race. The “Hare” balloon leads the pack, getting a head start at launch time and landing first. The other balloons, called "Hounds" launch in waves shortly after in pursuit of the "Hare" balloon. Once the Hare balloon lands, the pilot and crew lay an “X” out on the ground as a target. The pilot who drops their birdseed/bean bag nearest the center of the target is the winner!
Wind direction on Race Day (Sept. 19) will determine where the balloons fly and land. In the past, balloons have landed in all corners of the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding communities. You never know when a balloon might land on your street, a nearby park or a parking lot near your home!
A UNIQUE HISTORY
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is the one of only two 50 plus-year-old races balloon race in the country, and the ONLY one that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Through the generous support of sponsors, the Race has grown to become an internationally renowned event that many St. Louis families have embraced as a multi-generational tradition. For as many things that have changed since the Race began in 1973, one thing that will never change is its free admission.
www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com
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Where is it happening?
Emerson Central Fields, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO, United States, Missouri 63112, 5595 Grand Dr, St Louis, MO 63112-1095, United States, Clayton
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Great Forest Park Balloon Race
