Navigating The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Map of Forest Park showing entrance and road closures, parking options and more details about the Great Forest Park Balloon Race
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns to Emerson Central Fields Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20! We’re here to help you navigate Forest Park during the events and experience all the free, family-friendly fun.
Friday, September 19: Balloon Glow
Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m.
The Glow begins at dusk, and a fireworks finale is scheduled for 9:20 p.m.
Saturday, September 20: Balloon Race
Festivities begin at 1:00 p.m.
The flight window is 4:30-6 p.m., depending on the weather.
Please be aware this is the largest event of the year in Forest Park, and many roads will be closed for safety.
The Park also recovering from the May 16 tornado, and construction work on Steinberg Rink at the Glade is ongoing.
Getting Here and Navigating the Park
Parking
Free lot and street parking will be available throughout the Park, but thousands of attendees are expected. Please consider using alternative transportation options (see below). Refer to the map above and on the Great Forest Park Balloon Race website for important driving and parking information, including highway exit closures, Park entrance and road closures, recommended Park entrances and accessible parking options.
Biking
There are several bike racks located throughout the Park. Bikes are allowed on MetroBus and MetroLink!
Riding MetroLink
The Central West End MetroLink station is 0.6 miles from Emerson Central Fields, and the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station is 1.1 miles away. Download and purchase tickets on Transit, the official app of Metro Transit.
Riding MetroBus
The 90 Hampton bus route stops at the Forest Park Transit Center (near the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station) and runs through the Park. The Concourse @ Washington northbound and southbound bus stops are approximately 0.7 miles from the fields. Download and purchase tickets Transit, the official app of Metro Transit.
Support Forest Park Forever
As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, we know large events impact the Park and cause temporary disruptions. We work closely with City partners and event holders to minimize the physical impact of these great cultural events that bring our community together. You can be part of that work by becoming a Forest Park Forever member, supporting our daily efforts to ensure Forest Park is a joyful, welcoming place for 15.5 million visits each year.