The L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest – one of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events – takes flight next week with four hot-air balloon events. This year’s Great BalloonFest features two Balloon Glows and two Balloon Races, giving Festival fans even more opportunities to see the hot-air balloons. The festivities lift off Thursday, April 24 and run through Saturday, April 26.
It kicks off Thursday, April 24 with the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, the site of the event for the fourth straight year. Attendees are encouraged to come early, get a prime-viewing spot, grab dinner and see the balloons parade over before the Glow at 9 p.m. This one-of-a-kind 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 music.
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The Balloon Glow will be streamed live on WLKY.com on Thursday, April 24. New this year, there is a second opportunity to view the Balloon Glow on Friday, April 25 at 9 p.m. at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront, and a broadcast special will air on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. on WLKY.
The fun continues the following morning on Friday, April 25 at 7 a.m. with the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race. Launching from Bowman Field, it offers an eye-catching view for those driving on their way to work.
The L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest culminates with its inaugural event – the L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race on Saturday, April 26. A field of around 20 balloons will launch at 7 a.m. at Bowman Field in the oldest portion of BalloonFest.
Admission to the balloon events is free with a 2025 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events.
Since the first Great Balloon Race was held in 1973, the Derby Festival’s balloon events have been considered among the best in the country by pilots from all around the world. BalloonFest attractions are annually among the most popular family-friendly events on the Derby Festival schedule.
Sponsors: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, Shady Rays and UA Local 502. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.
Press release provided by the Kentucky Derby Festival Press Office.
Four Hot-Air Balloon Events From The Kentucky Derby Festival
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This article appears in Apr 11-24, 2025.