The Ultimate Guide To The Great Forest Park Balloon Race 2025: Dates, New Features, And How To Win The 'X'
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race 2025 is set to illuminate the St. Louis skyline once again, continuing a spectacular tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the heart of Forest Park. This year marks the 53rd annual running of the event, which proudly remains the oldest and largest free hot air balloon race in the world. Slated for a weekend of dazzling lights and competitive flight, the event is a cornerstone of the St. Louis social calendar, offering two days of unforgettable, family-friendly fun in mid-September.
The highly anticipated weekend kicks off on Friday, September 19, 2025, with the magical PNC Bank Balloon Glow, followed by the main event, the thrilling hot air balloon race, on Saturday, September 20, 2025. All festivities take place at the iconic Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park, promising record-setting crowds and a vibrant atmosphere. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the unique race mechanics to the full schedule of events and the new features for 2025.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race 2025 Schedule and Key Event Details
The 2025 event, presented by PNC Bank, is a two-day spectacle of aviation and community. It is a free, non-ticketed event, making it accessible to everyone seeking joy, connection, and unforgettable memories in St. Louis, Missouri.
Official 2025 Event Dates and Times:
- The PNC Bank Balloon Glow: Friday, September 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Day: Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Race Day (Saturday, September 20, 2025) Key Schedule Highlights:
The main race day is packed with entertainment leading up to the grand launch. Festivities begin early, but the main action starts in the afternoon:
- 1:00 PM: Festivities Begin on Emerson Central Fields.
- 1:15 PM & 2:30 PM: Purina Pro Plan Performance Team performances, a popular family attraction.
- 3:00 PM: The CHUTERS Parachute Team performance, showcasing incredible aerial precision.
- 3:30 PM: Official Opening Ceremonies at the NewGround International Main Stage.
- 4:45 PM: The critical "Hound" Balloons Launch begins, signaling the start of the race.
The event remains one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the country and is unique in that it is held within a large metropolitan city, drawing over 70 balloon entrants and an estimated 130,000+ spectators.
Decoding the 'Hare and Hound' Race: How the Winner is Chosen
Contrary to a traditional footrace or car race, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race is not a contest of speed. It follows a unique and highly engaging format known as the Hare and Hound-style race. This tradition is central to the event's identity and is what makes the competition so compelling for spectators.
The Rules of the Sky:
The race involves two distinct groups of balloons: the "Hare" and the "Hounds."
- The Hare Balloon: Approximately 30 minutes before the main launch, a single, designated Hare balloon takes off. This balloon is the target.
- The Target 'X': Once the Hare pilot and crew determine a suitable landing spot—often miles away from Forest Park, depending on the wind—they land and lay out a giant, conspicuous 'X' on the ground. This 'X' is the official race target.
- The Hound Balloons: The remaining 70+ balloons, the Hounds, follow the Hare. Using their skill and the varying wind currents at different altitudes, the Hound pilots attempt to fly over the landing zone.
- Winning the Race: The pilot who drops their marker—typically a small birdseed or bean bag—closest to the center of the Hare's 'X' target wins the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
This format means the winner is determined by precision, meteorological knowledge, and piloting skill, rather than simply being the fastest. The unpredictable nature of the wind and the hidden target keep the entire St. Louis region engaged, watching the sky to see where the balloons will land.
The Dazzling Balloon Glow: Friday Night Tradition
The festivities begin on Friday night with the spectacular PNC Bank Balloon Glow. This pre-race event is arguably the most visually stunning part of the weekend, transforming Emerson Central Fields into a magical, glowing landscape.
During the Balloon Glow, the hot air balloons do not launch. Instead, the pilots periodically fire their burners, causing the massive balloon envelopes to "glow" like colossal, colorful lanterns. This synchronized light show, set against the backdrop of the St. Louis evening sky, creates an ethereal and unforgettable scene.
The 2025 Glow will feature the new NewGround International Main Stage, hosting live music, including a performance by DJ Reggie, adding a vibrant soundtrack to the visual feast. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, bring blankets, and enjoy the food trucks and concessions available throughout the evening. For a portion of the evening, weather permitting, the rope line is released, allowing spectators to get closer to the glowing giants.
Historical Roots and the St. Louis Community Impact
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race has a deep and cherished history within St. Louis. It was first conceived in 1973 by local balloonists Nikki Caplan and John O'Toole. The small event was then transformed into a major St. Louis tradition in 1976 by Don Sarno, and it has grown exponentially ever since.
The race is a testament to the community spirit, as it remains a free event thanks to the generous support of its corporate partners, including presenting sponsor PNC Bank, and key supporters like WashU (Washington University in St. Louis) and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The event’s commitment to being free ensures that everyone, regardless of economic status, can partake in this world-class spectacle.
Planning Your 2025 Visit: Tips for Spectators
Navigating an event that attracts record-setting crowds requires a bit of planning. Here are essential tips for enjoying the 53rd annual race:
- Arrive Early: Both the Glow and Race Day draw massive crowds. Arriving hours before the main events is highly recommended to secure a good viewing spot on Emerson Central Fields.
- Parking and Transportation: Parking in Forest Park is extremely limited. Utilizing public transit, ride-sharing services, or parking in designated outer lots and walking is the best strategy.
- Family Amenities: Look for the dedicated St. Charles Nissan & Hyundai Family Picnic Areas, which offer a great space for families to relax and enjoy their own food and beverages.
- What to Bring: Bring a blanket or chairs, sun protection (especially on Saturday afternoon), and cash for the numerous food and beverage vendors.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the St. Louis community, aerial artistry, and the simple, breathtaking beauty of hot air ballooning. Mark your calendar for September 19th and 20th, 2025, for a weekend that promises to be nothing short of magical.
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