What's your favorite part about summer in Missouri? Mine is, hands down, all of the fun and unique festivals. While most festivals feature food, live music, and local vendors, this one has a more unique factor to it: Hot air balloons. For hot air balloon fun, come join the festivities at the Great Forest Park Balloon Race this September.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race takes place in St. Louis every year. This year's festival is set for the final two days of summer: Sept. 20-21, 2024.
Can you think of a better way to end a dreamy summer than with a visit to the best hot air balloon festival in Missouri?
The festival has been in existence for over 50 years.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was founded in 1973 by renowned balloonists Nikki Caplan and John O’Toole. But in 1977, enthusiastic balloonists John Marlow, John Schaumburg, Dan Schettler, and Ted Staley took over the festival and many of them still compete in the hot air balloon races today.
It is considered to be the most well-attended, single-day balloon race in the country.
Each year, over 150,000 spectators come out to watch world-class balloon pilots compete in a race. The festival is free and takes place right in the heart of the city, making it just that more of a draw for people to attend. It should come as no surprise that this is one of the best festivals in Missouri.
The festival features dozens of world-class balloons and more than 50 pilots.
The two-day festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, when Emerson Field opens. Carve out plenty of time to explore the food trucks, concession stands, inflatables, games, and kids' activities.
Undeniably the highlight of the first day of festivities is the evening's balloon glow, which runs from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. The Army's parachute team follows at 9 p.m., and the evening caps off with a magnificent fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
Day two of the festival is when the real fun takes place. Get ready for some balloon racing.
The fierce competition is set up in two waves. At 4:30, the "Hare" hot air balloons are released. Then, at 4:45 the "Hound" balloons are launched.
However, the day's festivities begin at 1 p.m. with live musical performances, family picnic areas, and an entertainment area for the kiddos.
In between balloon launches, snack on festival food. Vendors are set up throughout the festival with food and drink available for purchase.
If you prefer, you can bring your own food and drink. Dogs are also allowed at this hot air balloon festival in Missouri. However, if you bring your pup, he must be on a non-retractable leash.
Find more information, including a schedule, on the official website of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Or, stop by the Facebook page of the best hot air balloon festival in Missouri.
For a full schedule of events, click here.
Have you been to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, one of the best festivals in Missouri? What did you think? We'd love to hear in the comments! While you're at Forest Park, stop by the nature playscape, a unique playground in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ready to explore more of St. Louis and beyond? Go on a scenic hike! Find all of the best hiking trails in Missouri on All Trails.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/forest-parks-nature-playscape-mo/
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