The Great Forest Park Balloon Race & Glow
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sat, 09/19/2026
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
THE GLOW | FRI. SEPT. 18
5:00 P.M. – Emerson Central Fields Opens
- Dance with DJ Reggie at the Main Stage
- Food trucks, concessions and St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai 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
6:45 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. – U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS SKYDIVING TEAM
9:15 P.M. – FIREWORKS FINALE
RACE DAY | SAT., SEPT. 19
1:00 P.M. – CENTRAL FIELD OPENS
- Celebrate 54 years of GFPBR at the Main Stage featuring DJ Reggie
- 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.) - Midway concessions, food trucks, inflatables, games and sponsor activities begin
3:00 P.M. to 3:45 P.M. – OPENING CEREMONIES WITH AN APPEARANCE FROM U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS SKYDIVING TEAM
4:30 P.M.** – “HARE” BALLOON LAUNCHES
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.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.