The Great Forest Park Balloon Race Day VIP Experience is your front row ticket to the spectacular 47th annual hot air balloon launch on Saturday, September 21, 2019!
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC Bank will be held on September 20 & 21, 2019. The Balloon Glow will be on Friday evening. The glow will be at Central Fieldsl (the site of the Race) and will be a walk through event only — not a drive through event. The Balloon Race will take place on at Central Fields in Forest Park, on Saturday afternoon, with the grounds opening at noon.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race are FREE to attend and open to the public with activities, viewing areas, entertainment and treats for all ages.
Our VIP Experience offers premier views, parking and other special features and can be purchased through this site - ticket options are available for adults, children and groups.
* Limited supply of VIP Parking Passes available. VIP Parking Passes only available with specific package options.
Single ticket options include:
VIP Adult (21+)
VIP Adult Minor (ages 14-20)
VIP Child (ages 5-13 -- must be accompanied by VIP Adult)
Children 5 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket
Packages Include:
VIP Adult Package with 2 adult tickets and 1 VIP parking pass)
Family Package (2 adults + 2 children + 1 VIP parking pass)
Friends Package (4 adults + 1 VIP Parking Pass)
Reserved Table for 10 + 2 Parking Passes
All VIP Experience tickets include:
Saturday, September 21, 2019
47th Annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race presented by PNC Bank:
Central Fields in Forest Park - 12:00p.m. to 6:00 PM
Schedule of Events
12:00 PM Festivities Begin!
Maryville University Main Stage Opens
Purina Children's Entertainment Area - Inflatables, games, giveaways, performances by The Purina Pro Plan Performance Team, PNC Bank's Mobile learning Adventure, activities by Children's Hospital and much more!
GFPBR Photo Contest (both days)– Sponsored by St. Louis Post Dispatch - enter online at greatforestparkballoonrace.com)
3:00 PM Skydivers
3:30 PM Opening Ceremonies at the Maryville University Main Stage
4:30 PM “Hare” Balloon Launches – PNC Bank’s Orange Blossom
The race begins when the lead balloon takes off ahead of the pack. Nearly 70 “hound” balloons then launch in pursuit. The balloon dropping a birdseed baggie closest to the lead balloon will be declared the winner.
4:45 PM “Hound” Balloons Launch
6:00 PM Event Concludes