The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns to the newly restored Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park this Friday and Saturday, September 20-21.

Here is a guide to help you navigate your way during the largest event in the Park, so you don’t miss out on all the fun!

Schedule of Events:

• Balloon Glow: September 20

  • Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m., the Balloon Glow starts at dusk

• The Great Forest Park Balloon Race: September 21

  • 12:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Top Navigation Tips:

• The best way to avoid traffic is to ride your bike to the Park. There will be several bike racks for you to Park your bike along the route. Find your way using ForestParkMap.org.

• Take the MetroLink to the Central West End Station, then walk or bring your bike with you to Emerson Central Fields (less than a mile away).

• Schedule a Lyft or Uber, then be dropped off at the locations listed below in the map.

Driving, Here Is the Best Options:

• The Balloon Glow brings in about 70,000 people to the Park on Friday night. If you are driving make sure to arrive early and beat the traffic. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. the night of the Balloon Glow on September 20. Please note, Hampton Ave. exits will be closed to the public from 6:00 pm.- 11:00 p.m. on Friday evening.

• Park at the Festival & Parking Plaza (upper Muny parking lot), the closest public parking lot to the event. Bonus tip – explore Hidden Creek Savanna along the way.

  • Enter one-way through Union and exit one-way through Summit Drive

• Enter/exit the Park at Union and Lindell, Kingshighway and Pine or Lagoon and Skinker