The 2023 Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by PNC Bank, welcomed record-setting crowds to Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park Fri., Sept. 15 (The GLOW) and Sat., Sept. 16 (The RACE). The weekend boasted gorgeous weather and brought more than 130,000 spectators together for two days of outdoor fun, “wow” moments, new experiences, and memories to last a lifetime.
“We are so proud to collaborate with our generous sponsors and the City of St. Louis – and to have welcomed such a large and diverse crowd from throughout the entire region and beyond,” said Jessica Stegen, GFPBR director of Communications and Event Production. “Whether it’s a couple on their first date, a group of friends taking a day to just be outside together or grandparents who can’t get enough of the joy the balloons bring to their grandchildren’s faces, the tradition continued in grand fashion throughout the entire weekend.”
GFPBR is one of the longest running hot air balloon races in the country, and one of the only 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 and thousands of spectators annually. Learn more about our unique history.
Thanks to our generous GFPBR sponsors, attendance is FREE and the number of memories and photographs you can capture is endless.
THE GLOW | TENTATIVE 2024 SCHEDULE
5:00 P.M. – Emerson Central Fields Opens
- Food trucks, concessions and St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas open! (visit our FAQS page for more info about coolers and concessions).
- Visit the PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure PLUS Activities from St. Louis Children’s Hospital, tractor fun with Sydentricker Nobbe, and more!
- Midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities begin
6:00 P.M. – Dance with DJ Reggie at the WASH U 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.
9:00 P.M. – THE U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS PARACHUTE TEAM TAKES FLIGHT
9:15 P.M. – PNC BANK FIREWORKS FINALE
RACE DAY | TENTATIVE 2024 SCHEDULE
1:00 P.M. – CENTRAL FIELD OPENS
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- Cheers to 51 years of GFPBR at the WASH U Main Stage featuring DJ Reggie and exciting performances from
WASH U Acapella Groups & The “Pazazz Performers” from the St. Louis Academy of Dance. - Celebrate multiculturalism, music mentorship and mental wellness with the Dragon Drum & Bugle Corps!
- St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas Open
- Purina Children’s Entertainment Area Opens Featuring:
– Purina Pro Plan Performance Team (performances at
1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m.) - Visit the PNC Bank Mobile Learning Adventure PLUS Activities from St. Louis Children’s Hospital, climb on a tractor with Sydentricker Nobbe, and more!
- Midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities begin
- Cheers to 51 years of GFPBR at the WASH U Main Stage featuring DJ Reggie and exciting performances from
4:45 P.M.** – “HOUND” BALLOONS LAUNCH
** PLEASE NOTE:
The flight window for THE RACE is between 4:30 and 6:00 PM. Our goal is always to launch as scheduled, however, exact launch time is weather dependent. The #GFPBR pilot team monitors wind conditions & flight path details in coordination with the national weather service, our #GFPBR pilots and air traffic control. Real-time updates will be posted on our social media channels.
