Join us to celebrate 50 years of free,
family fun on September 16 & 17, 2022!
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by PNC Bank,
is returning to Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park for the
50th annual event, on Friday, September 16 (The GLOW) and
Saturday, September 17 (The RACE).
The recently renovated 30-acre Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park will provide an ideal setting for bringing families and friends together for two days of outdoor fun, “wow” moments, new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors attendance is FREE and the number of memories and photographs you can capture is endless.
THE GLOW | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
5:00 P.M. – Emerson Central Fields Opens
(Food trucks, concessions and family picnic areas available! – visit our FAQS page for more info about coolers and concessions).
6:00 P.M. – Live Music with DJ Reggie on the Main Stage
DUSK UNTIL 9 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.
9:00 P.M. – THE U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS PARACHUTE TEAM TAKES FLIGHT sponsored by Drury Hotels
9:15 P.M.— PNC BANK FIREWORKS FINALE
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is FREE to attend, but those interested in attending the VIP Blue Moon Glow Bar (21+) on Friday night can look forward to premier views, parking passes (for specific packages), private bathrooms, tasty festival foods and more!
Treat your best pal, your entire family or a big group of friends to VIP treatment at the spectacular 50th anniversary of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC!
RACE DAY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
1:00 P.M. – CENTRAL FIELD OPENS
- Main Stage featuring DJ Reggie
- Family Picnic Areas Open
- Purina Children’s Entertainment Area Opens Featuring:
– Purina Pro Plan Performance Team (performances at 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m.)
– Activities from St. Louis Children’s Hospital
– Snap a a commemorative social media-worthy photo at “A View Worth Saving”, the new photo experience from PNC Bank - Performances from local St. Louis dance and theatre troupes + inflatables, games, giveaways
- Midway concessions, food trucks and sponsor activities begin
3:00 P.M. – U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS PARACHUTE TEAM TAKES FLIGHT sponsored by Drury Hotels
3:30 P.M. – OPENING CEREMONIES
4:30 P.M. – PNC BANK “HARE” BALLOON LAUNCHES
4:45 P.M. – “HOUND” BALLOONS LAUNCH
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is FREE to attend, but those interested in attending the Schnucks RACE DAY VIP Experience on Saturday can look forward to premier views, parking passes (for specific packages), private bathrooms, tasty festival foods and more! Treat your best pal, your entire family or a big group of friends to VIP treatment at the spectacular 50th anniversary celebration of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC Bank!
