The Great Forest Park Balloon Race

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Free family-friendly weekend loaded with activities and 50+ hot air balloons! Sept. 19 & 20, 2025. Visit our website to find out more!
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The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by PNC Bank, will return to Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park on Friday (THE GLOW), Sept 15 and Saturday (RACE DAY), Sept. 16. This much-loved annual tradition brings families and friends together for two days of outdoor fun, “wow” moments, new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. And, thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors,

attendance is FREE for all to enjoy! The race, which celebrated it's 50th year in 2022, is widely considered one of the best in the country – it was even inducted into the Library of Congress and honored as a “Local Legacy” in 2000. The event started as a small affair in 1973, featuring just seven balloons and about a dozen spectators on Cricket Field in the northern edge of Forest Park. Since then, it’s grown to new heights - welcoming more than 100,000 spectators over the weekend each year. And, there's so much joy around these balloons - from the grandparent introducing their grandchildren
to an event they've been attending for years, to a group of friends, or a couple on their first date, GFPBR brings smiles, "wow" moments, new experiences and memories that last a lifetime. http://greatforestparkballoonrace.com/

I am one of the oldest and largest free hot air balloon races in the United States.I am where over 100,000 people lookin...
09/30/2025

I am one of the oldest and largest free hot air balloon races in the United States.

I am where over 100,000 people looking to slow down and create lasting memories come annually for the weekend to celebrate.

I am hot air balloons glowing against the night sky on Friday, and soaring along the horizon on Saturday.

I am here for those seeking joy, connection, and an unforgettable experience — together.

I am the St. Louis family tradition since 1973.

I am the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.

I am St. Louis.

Photo credit:

09/27/2025
09/26/2025

Congratulations to our new friends at NewGround International on their HQ grand opening last weekend! It was an exciting weekend for NewGround, as they sponsored the Main Stage for the very first time this year as well! Special thanks to Danielle Calcara and NewGround CEO, Kevin Blair for sitting down with Damon Arnold and Laura Hettiger from KMOV News 4 to share more about their 100 year history in St. Louis.

Thank you to our friends at WashU for their continued support of the The Great Forest Park Balloon Race through the year...
09/26/2025

Thank you to our friends at WashU for their continued support of the The Great Forest Park Balloon Race through the years. We’re grateful to have an ongoing partnership with a university that’s not only IN St. Louis, but FOR St. Louis - just like the !

Photos courtesy of WashU

09/26/2025
09/25/2025

How exactly does a Hare and Hound-style balloon race work? Thanks to PNC Bank and “Hare” balloon pilot, Scott Wooge for chatting with Leah Hill at KMOV News 4 about this annual St. Louis family tradition. The would not be possible without our presenting sponsor PNC. We appreciate PNC Client and Community Relations Director, Sarah Bowman and Regional President, Matt Corcoran for sharing how (thanks to generous sponsors) we’re able to keep the free for the people of St. Louis! ⛅️🎈✨

Did you miss the opportunity to purchase 2025 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Official Merch this weekend? You can pu...
09/23/2025

Did you miss the opportunity to purchase 2025 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Official Merch this weekend? You can purchase merch AND the Official 2025 Poster ONLINE! ⛅🎈✨☀️

We love these fun, classic, and even nostalgic (the 1985 ringer tee 👀) designs created by our friends at By Jack. Many thanks to MOTHER MODEL MANAGEMENT for collaborating with us on this shoot and to for your talent behind the camera.

All merch is available at www.byjack.com/balloon.

Thank you to AP for spending time with PNC pilot Scott Wooge and joining us at the 53rd The Great Forest Park Balloon Ra...
09/22/2025

Thank you to AP for spending time with PNC pilot Scott Wooge and joining us at the 53rd The Great Forest Park Balloon Race!

Though rain would lead to a cancelled balloon race, thousands still gathered to see 90 ft tall hot air balloons glow in St.

Did you lose something this weekend at The Great Forest Park Balloon Race? Give us a shout via messages or send an email...
09/21/2025

Did you lose something this weekend at The Great Forest Park Balloon Race? Give us a shout via messages or send an email to [email protected] with a description of your item(s). 🔑📱👜

09/21/2025

Kudos to all the people and sponsors who make GFPBR weekend happen. Cheers to the hard working parks department / Forest Park team; our sponsors PNC Bank, NewGround International, Blue Moon, Purina, Children’s Hospital, Hyundai (and so many more); and our friends at KMOV for bringing The Road’s Forrest McCurren to town.

A beautiful GLOW night. A wet RACE day. And all the joy balloons and time with friends and family brings 🎈🫶

Address

Emerson Central Fields, Forest Park
St. Louis, MO
63112

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