The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is a two-day event held in St. Louis, Missouri – annually celebrating soft landings and family traditions since 1973. It is the second oldest balloon race in the United States and remains a free event for everyone to enjoy. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was inducted into the permanent collection of the Library of Congress on May 23, 2000. The induction honors the race as a Local Legacy and documents the race as a “meaningful and significant American community tradition.”

The 54th annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race weekend -
September 18-19, 2026

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of St. Louis’ most cherished traditions, bringing generations of families together to celebrate our community.

At Stifel, we’re proud to join fellow sponsors in helping keep this remarkable event free for everyone to enjoy while supporting a tradition that reflects the spirit, optimism, and enduring values that have defined our hometown for more than a century. Our associates and their families look forward to joining the city in Forest Park this September.

Ron Kruszewski
Chairman and CEO
Stifel

Where:

Forest Park
St. Louis, Mo

When:

Glow - Sept 18
Race - Sept 19

Address:

Emerson
Central Fields

Great Forest Park Balloon Race Weekend

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by Stifel, returns to Forest Park’s Emerson Central Fields, Sept. 18-19, 2026. This free, two-day St. Louis family tradition, which includes the GLOW on Friday, Sept. 18 and the RACE on Saturday, Sept. 19, brings the community together for a weekend of connection, celebration and unforgettable moments.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the United States and one of the only races that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Today, the internationally renowned event welcomes 50 of the nation’s best hot air balloon pilots and thousands of spectators annually.

Thanks to the generous contributions of event sponsors, including presenting sponsor Stifel (new for 2026), Main Stage sponsor NewGround International, Fireworks sponsor PNC Bank, and AFTER GLOW dance party sponsor Blue Moon Brewing Co., this beloved St. Louis tradition is free for all to experience.

Schedule

THE GLOW | FRIDAY, SEPT 18

5:00 P.M. - Emerson Central Fields Opens

Food trucks, concessions and St. Charles Hyundai, Nissan and Genesis Family Picnic Areas open! (visit our FAQS page for more info about coolers and concessions).
Midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities begin

6:00 P.M. – Dance with DJ Reggie at the NewGround International Main Stage

6:45 P.M. TO 8:45 P.M.** – THE 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.

8:45 - 10 PM - AFTER GLOW, a post-glow dance party hosted by Blue Moon Brewing Co. and ByJack at the official merch tent and bar

9:00 P.M. - U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, presented by Stifel

9:15 P.M. - PNC Bank fireworks finale

RACE DAY | SATURDAY, SEPT 19

1:00 P.M. – CENTRAL FIELD OPENS

Celebrate 54 years of GFPBR at the NewGround International Main Stage
St. Charles Hyundai, Nissan and Genesis Family Picnic Areas open
Purina Children’s Entertainment Area opens featuring the 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

3:00 - 3:45 P.M. – OPENING CEREMONIES

3:00 - 3:45 P.M. – U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, presented by Stifel

4:30 P.M.** – STIFEL “HARE” BALLOON LAUNCHES

4:45 P.M. (flight window 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM) ** – “HOUND” BALLOONS LAUNCH