Louisville’s BalloonFest takes flight this week with 4 events: Here’s what to expect

L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race.
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race.(Kentucky Derby Festival)
Published: Apr. 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM EDT
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - One of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events takes flight this week.

Over three days, this year’s L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest will feature four hot-air balloon events. BalloonFest kicks off on Thursday, April 24, and runs through Saturday, April 26, featuring two Balloon Glows and two Balloon Races.

Festivities kick off on Thursday, April 24, at 9 p.m. with the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. Those who wish to come are encouraged to come early if they’d like to get a prime-viewing spot, grab dinner, and see the balloons parade over before the Glow at 7 p.m.

The Kentucky Derby Festival said this experience features balloons on the field, but they do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, guests can watch the balloons glow against the night sky, synchronized to a special musical score.

Drivers will have a nice eye-catching view on their way to work on Friday, April 25, from the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race at 7 a.m. Also, on Saturday, April 26, is the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow at 9 p.m. at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.

Weather permitting, the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, where a field of more than 20 balloons will launch at 7 a.m. at Bowman Field.

Admission to the balloon events is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at retail outlets and $10 at the event entrance.

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