THE ST. LOUIS FAMILY TRADITION: GREAT FOREST PARK BALLOON RACE WEEKEND RETURNS FOR 54TH YEAR, SEPT 18-19, 2026
GFPBR welcomes new presenting sponsor, and hare balloon, Stifel
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by Stifel, returns to Forest Park’s Emerson Central Fields, Sept. 18-19, 2026. This free, two-day St. Louis family tradition, which includes the GLOW on Friday, Sept. 18 and the RACE on Saturday, Sept. 19, brings the community together for a weekend of connection, celebration and unforgettable moments.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the United States and one of the only races that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Today, the internationally renowned event welcomes 50 of the nation’s best hot air balloon pilots and thousands of spectators annually.
Thanks to the generous contributions of event sponsors, including presenting sponsor Stifel (new for 2026), Main Stage sponsor NewGround International, Fireworks sponsor PNC Bank, and AFTER GLOW dance party sponsor Blue Moon Brewing Co., this beloved St. Louis tradition is free for all to experience.
“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. Our associates and their families look forward to joining the city in Forest Park this September.”
Throughout the weekend, the hot air balloons are surrounded by a festival environment with delicious food, live music, and activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy photo opportunities, inflatable games, giveaways, local vendors, Main Stage entertainment, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, fireworks and much more.
“There’s something special about how hot air balloons make you feel like a kid, no matter your age. We're grateful to our corporate partners, including new presenting sponsor Stifel, and proud of the way this free annual tradition brings together the whole city, county, metro, and communities beyond. 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,” said Jessica Stegen, Director of Communications and Event Production for Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
Features for 2026 include:
The return of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team , presented by Stifel - with performances on both Friday evening and Saturday
New for 2026, “AFTER GLOW,” a post-Glow Friday night dance party presented by Blue Moon Brewing Co at the ByJack official merch tent
A live Glow broadcast by KMOV-TV, with festival attendees as the audience and CBS handing out giveaways
Dancing with DJ Reggie and other performers on the NewGround International Main Stage
A double-decker photo opportunity, putting festival attendees above the crowds and backdropped by balloons, presented by St. Louis Children's Hospital
The Friday night post-Glow fireworks finale, presented by PNC Bank
Performances from the incomparable PURINA PRO PLAN PERFORMANCE TEAM
An appearance by the popular PBS Kids character Arthur, presented by NINE PBS
Activities and giveaways with St. Louis CITY SC, Ameren, St. Charles Automotive, Hyundai, Washington University and many more
View the full event schedule for the Great Forest Park Balloon Race weekend below.
Announcements, answers to frequently asked questions, updated maps and 2026 parking information can be viewed on the event website, www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com.
About Stifel
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a diversified financial services firm providing wealth management, commercial and investment banking, trading, and research services to individuals, institutions, and municipalities. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm operates more than 400 offices across the United States and in major global financial centers. As a firm where success meets success, Stifel works closely with retail and institutional clients aiming to transform opportunities into achievement. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at Stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.
About The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is a two-day event held in St. Louis, Missouri – annually celebrating soft landings and family traditions since 1973. It is the second oldest balloon race in the United States and remains a free event for everyone to enjoy. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was inducted into the permanent collection of the Library of Congress on May 23, 2000. The induction honors the race as a Local Legacy and documents the race as a “meaningful and significant American community tradition.”
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THE GLOW | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
5:00 P.M. - Emerson Central Fields Opens
Food trucks, concessions and St. Charles Hyundai, Nissan and Genesis 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
6:00 P.M. – Dance with DJ Reggie at the NewGround International Main Stage
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.
8:45 - 10 PM - AFTER GLOW, a post-glow dance party hosted by Blue Moon Brewing Co. and ByJack at the official merch tent and bar
9:00 P.M. - U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, presented by Stifel
9:15 P.M. - PNC Bank fireworks finale
RACE DAY | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
1:00 P.M. – CENTRAL FIELD OPENS
Celebrate 54 years of GFPBR at the NewGround International Main Stage
St. Charles Hyundai, NIssan and Genesis Family Picnic Areas open
Purina Children’s Entertainment Area opens featuring the 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 - 3:45 P.M. – OPENING CEREMONIES
3:00 - 3:45 P.M. – U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, presented by Stifel
4:30 P.M.** – STIFEL “HARE” BALLOON LAUNCHES
4:45 P.M. (flight window 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM) ** – “HOUND” BALLOONS LAUNCH
Visit our FAQS page for more info about this Hare-and-Hound-Style Race
** events are weather-dependent and timing is approximate / subject to change