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Get Ready for the Great Forest Park Balloon Race in St. Louis 2024

Forest Park in St. Louis is one of the largest city parks in the nation, covering over 1,370 acres and home to the famous St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and the Planetarium.

However, Forest Park also has incredible greenspaces featuring some of the most popular events in the St. Louis area.

One of these events, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race (GFPBR), is a premier destination for balloon lovers this fall. The race features over 50 Hot Air Balloons in an epic race on Saturday, September 21st, and also features notable music guests, food trucks, and educational activities for kids.

A Brief History of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the nation’s oldest hot air balloon events with its inception in 1973. What began as a modest race among a handful (relatively speaking) of hot air balloons now attracts over 10,000 guests annually. It hosts events over two days with food trucks, live performances, and the famous balloon glow.

Event Details for 2024 and What to Expect at the Race

The GFPBR takes place over two days, Friday, September 20th, and Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park.

The highlight of Saturday is the Balloon Race, taking place from 4:45 pm to about 6:15 pm, with the exact launch time depending on the weather. Friday night will premier with the balloon glow, and each premier event has plenty of activities beforehand to make a whole day out of the trip.

The Forest Park Balloon Glow

The balloon glow features on Friday night from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. where the balloons will light up but stay tethered to their ropes, allowing them to float above the greens and illuminate the night sky against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Family Friendly Activities

Families have plenty of space to set up a picnic with special entertainment areas for the kids, including Purina Pro Plan dog performances on Saturday afternoon. There are plenty of concessions, food trucks, inflatables, and games for children to enjoy while it’s still sunny.
Musical Guests
This year’s musical guest star is DJ Reggie, a local artist who will perform at the Washington University Main Stage and will host a dance party and MC the main events leading up to the balloon glow and balloon race.

Other Activities in Forest Park

In addition to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, there’s plenty to do in Forest Park for the whole family, and it includes some of the top tourist spots to visit in St. Louis. Some of the notable attractions in Forest Park include the following:

The St. Louis Zoo: A free, family-friendly zoo featuring interactive exhibits that each feature a unique environment. The St. Louis Zoo is nationally ranked and recognized as a leader in animal management, research, conservation, and education.
The St. Louis Art Museum: Another free, family-friendly museum that includes a world-class art collection and rotating exhibits.
Missouri History Museum: An interactive museum exploring St. Louis’ and Missouri’s rich history and historical heritage; free admission.
James S. McDonnell Planetarium: A part of the St. Louis Science Center, the Planetarium hosts over 700 interactive learning experiences in addition to the dramatic star shows inside the central dome, with no cost for general admission.

All of these activities are free to experience and perfect for the whole family, making them top destinations during your next trip to Forest Park.

Make Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast Your Haven For Your Next Trip to Forest Park

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is an exciting event filled with family-friendly activities, awe-inspiring balloon launches, and fun for all ages. Like many other attractions in Forest Park, admission is free, and everyone is encouraged to stop by.

When you’re planning your stay during your trip to St. Louis, check out Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast, located less than ten minutes from Forest Park. We provide modern amenities alongside classic comforts in the historical neighborhood of Lafayette Square, St. Louis.

BOOK NOW to reserve a room and download our FREE GUIDE to learn more about local amenities, attractions, and accommodations in the St. Louis area.