The Great Forest Park Balloon Race kicks off this year on Friday, September 18 with the Balloon Glow, and continues Saturday, September 19 with the Balloon Race. This annual tradition brings more than 100,000 spectators together for two days of outdoor fun, new experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. WashU is proud to sponsor the event again in 2026.
Balloon Race – Run of Show
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. – 3:45 P.M. – OPENING CEREMONIES WITH AN APPEARANCE FROM U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHT SKYDIVING TEAM
4:30 P.M.** – “HARE” BALLOON LAUNCHES
Musical Performance of “UP UP AND AWAY” by
the WASH U Chamber Choir
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.