Great Forest Park Balloon Race Returns to St. Louis for 54th Year

Stifel joins the Great Forest Park Balloon Race as the new presenting sponsor and “Hare” balloon for 2026

One of St. Louis’ most recognizable family traditions is preparing to fill the skies over Forest Park once again.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by Stifel, returns to Emerson Central Fields on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, marking the event’s 54th year. The free, two-day celebration will feature the popular Friday night Balloon Glow followed by Race Day on Saturday, along with live entertainment, food, fireworks, family activities and dozens of hot air balloons.

New for 2026, Stifel will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor and its signature “Hare” balloon.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race began in 1973 with only a handful of balloons and spectators. More than five decades later, it has grown into an internationally recognized event featuring approximately 50 hot air balloon pilots and drawing thousands of spectators to Forest Park.

The event remains free to attend thanks to its sponsors, including presenting sponsor Stifel, fireworks sponsor PNC Bank and AFTER GLOW sponsor Blue Moon Brewing Co.

“The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of St. Louis’ most cherished traditions, bringing generations of families together to celebrate our community,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “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.”

What’s New at the 2026 Great Forest Park Balloon Race

The balloons may be the stars of the weekend, but the Great Forest Park Balloon Race has evolved into a full festival experience.

Throughout Friday and Saturday, attendees can expect food trucks and concessions, live music, inflatable games, giveaways, local vendors, sponsor activations and entertainment for all ages.

Among the highlights planned for 2026 are:

• The return of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, presented by Stifel, with performances Friday and Saturday
• The debut of AFTER GLOW, a Friday night post-Glow dance party presented by Blue Moon Brewing Co. at the ByJack official merchandise tent
• A live Friday night Glow broadcast by KMOV-TV
• DJ Reggie and additional performers on the Main Stage
• A double-decker balloon photo experience presented by St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Friday night fireworks presented by PNC Bank
• Performances from the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team
• An appearance by PBS Kids character Arthur, presented by Nine PBS
• Activities and giveaways from St. Louis CITY SC, Ameren, St. Charles Automotive, Hyundai, Washington University and other community partners

“There’s something special about how hot air balloons make you feel like a kid, no matter your age,” said Jessica Stegen, Director of Communications and Event Production for Great Forest Park Balloon Race.

“We hope both longtime Great Forest Park Balloon Race fans and first-time attendees alike will join us this fall to slow down, take in the wonder, and create lasting memories.”

The Balloon Glow Returns Friday, Sept. 18

The weekend begins Friday with one of the event’s most anticipated traditions: The Balloon Glow.

Emerson Central Fields opens at 5 p.m., with food trucks, concessions, inflatables, games, sponsor activities and family picnic areas available throughout the evening.

DJ Reggie takes over the Main Stage beginning at 6 p.m.

From approximately 6:45 to 8:45 p.m., the balloons will illuminate Forest Park as pilots fire their burners, creating the glowing display that has become a signature St. Louis fall experience.

The balloons do not launch during the Glow. Weather permitting, however, organizers plan to release the rope line for part of the evening, allowing spectators to walk among the balloons and meet pilots and crew members.

Following the Glow, the new AFTER GLOW dance party will run from 8:45 to 10 p.m.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m., followed by the PNC Bank fireworks finale at 9:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18 Schedule

5 p.m. — Emerson Central Fields opens
6 p.m. — DJ Reggie at the Main Stage
6:45–8:45 p.m. — Balloon Glow
8:45–10 p.m. — AFTER GLOW dance party
9 p.m. — U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
9:15 p.m. — PNC Bank fireworks finale

Race Day Takes Over Forest Park Saturday

The celebration continues Saturday, Sept. 19, when Emerson Central Fields opens at 1 p.m.

Families can spend the afternoon exploring food trucks, concessions, inflatables, games and sponsor activities while celebrating 54 years of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.

The Purina Children’s Entertainment Area will feature performances from the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled from 3 to 3:45 p.m., with the U.S. Army Golden Knights expected to perform between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m.

Then comes the moment thousands will be waiting for.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Stifel “Hare” balloon is scheduled to launch, setting the target for the field of “Hound” balloons.

The Hound balloons are scheduled to begin launching around 4:45 p.m., with a flight window running from approximately 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race uses a Hare-and-Hound format. The Hare balloon launches first and establishes a target after landing. The Hound balloons follow, with pilots attempting to navigate as close to the Hare’s target as possible.

Saturday, Sept. 19 Schedule

1 p.m. — Emerson Central Fields opens
1:30 p.m. — Purina Pro Plan Performance Team
3 p.m. — Purina Pro Plan Performance Team
3–3:45 p.m. — Opening ceremonies
3:15–3:45 p.m. — U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
4:30 p.m. — Stifel “Hare” balloon launches
4:45 p.m. — “Hound” balloons begin launching
4:30–6 p.m. — Balloon flight window

A St. Louis Tradition More Than Five Decades Strong

Few events capture the spirit of a St. Louis fall quite like seeing dozens of colorful balloons rise above Forest Park.

What began as a small gathering in 1973 has become a multigenerational tradition, bringing families, friends and visitors together for a weekend centered on community and one of the city’s most recognizable outdoor spectacles.

The 54th Great Forest Park Balloon Race takes place Sept. 18–19, 2026, at Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park. Admission is free.

Balloon activities and flight times are weather dependent and subject to change. To learn more, visit https://www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com

Photo Credit: Justin Barr