Navigating The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Many Park roads will be closed to traffic (shown in purple above) from during The Great Forest Park Balloon Race events.
Construction at the Glade and Steinberg Rink is ongoing. The dual recreational path between Klein Prairie and Jefferson Lake remains closed, and the temporary on-street pedestrian and cyclist lane on Faulkner Drive (shown in yellow above) also will be closed beginning at 12 a.m. on Thursday, September 17.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns to Emerson Central Fields Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19! We’re here to help you navigate Forest Park during the events and experience all the free, family-friendly fun.
Please be aware this is the largest event of the year in Forest Park. Many roads will be closed from 12 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, through Saturday, September 19. In addition, the dual recreational path between Klein Prairie and Jefferson Lake remains closed during construction at the Glade. The temporary on-street pedestrian and cyclist lane on Faulkner Drive (shown in yellow in the construction site map above) also will be closed beginning at 12 a.m. on Thursday, September 17. Please follow all detour signs.
Balloon Glow Details
Friday, September 18
5 p.m. Emerson Central Fields open
6:45–8:45 p.m. Balloon Glow*
8:45–10 p.m. After Glow Dance Party
9 p.m. U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team demonstration
9:15 p.m. Fireworks finale
Balloon Race Details
Saturday, September 19
1 p.m. Emerson Central Fields open
3:15–3:45 p.m. U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team demonstration
4:30 p.m. Stifel “hare” balloon launches**
4:45 p.m. “Hound” balloons launch**
*Events are weather-dependent, and times are approximate and subject to change.
**The flight window is from 4:30–6 p.m.
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 throughout the Park, and bikes are allowed on MetroBus and MetroLink. The temporary on-street pedestrian and cyclist lane on Faulkner Drive (shown in yellow in the Glade construction site map above) will be closed to traffic from 12 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, through Saturday, September 19.
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.