Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race

Friday, September 18, 2026

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

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Head to Forest Park for the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race. Watch as nearly 60 hot air balloons inflate, glow and launch. Families can also enjoy food trucks, fireworks, children's activities and live music.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Friday, September 18 with food concessions, inflatables, games and sponsor activities, and live music with DJ Reggie on the Main Stage. The Balloon Glow lasts from dusk to 9 p.m. Fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m.

On Saturday, September 19, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race Central Fields open at 1 p.m. with a family picnic area, and the Purina Children's Entertainment area. Don't miss the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team at 1:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. There will also be food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities.

Opening Ceremonies are at 3 p.m., followed by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.

Balloon launches begin at 4:30 p.m. The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race are held at the Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park and are free to attend.

More information: greatforestparkballoonrace.com

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Tags: St. Louis Family Events 2026, Great Forest Park Balloon Glow, Great Forest Park Balloon Race, free events, Forest Park events, Family Events in St. Louis

Locations: St. Louis

Ages: Babies and Toddlers, Elementary Age, High Schoolers, Middle Schoolers, Parent with Child, Preschool, Teens and Tweens

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