The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns to Emerson Central Fields Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21. This is a guide to help you navigate the largest event in the Park so you don’t miss out on all the fun! Please keep in mind parking spots are limited and many roads will be closed for safety.

• Balloon Glow: September 20

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

• Balloon Race: September 21

• 1:00 p.m. with a 4:30-6:00 p.m. flight window

There is no cost for admission to either the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow or the Race. Free street and public lot parking is available throughout Forest Park all weekend. Please keep in mind parking spots are limited and many roads will be closed and these are highlighted in the map below.

Top Navigation Tips:

• Bike to Forest Park. There will be several bike racks along the route. Find your way using ForestParkMap.org.

• Take the MetroLink to the Central West End Station and travel less than a mile to Emerson Central Fields.

• Schedule a ride-share and be dropped off/picked up on the North Side of Lindell Blvd. at DeBaliviere near the Missouri History Museum, or in the Park at Festival & Parking Plaza in the Muny’s upper lot. Or use the map below to plan your route.

Driving? We recommend the following for entry and parking:

• Enter and exit at

• Grand Dr from Cricket, Lindell Blvd

• DeBaliviere Ave, Lindell Blvd

• Forsyth, Skinker Blvd

• Hampton Ave **CLOSED – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, September 20***

• The closest public parking lot is the Festival & Parking Plaza (upper Muny parking lot). Bonus tip – explore Hidden Creek Savanna along the way.

• The only entry point will be from Summit Drive. The north side of the lot at Union Drive will be exit only.

Important Notes About Entry that is reflected on the map below

• East and West-bound Exit Ramps at I-64 and Hampton Ave. will be CLOSED – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, September 20

• Hospital Dr at Kingshighway will be closed = NO LEFT turns onto Kingshighway (going northbound) from Hospital Dr stop light

• Grand Dr ends at Union Blvd because the Lafeyette Bridge is under construction

• To assist with traffic flow within Forest Park, the Upper Muny Lot will be a ONE WAY Entry and ONE WAY Exit on September 20 and 21, 2024. The north side of the Plaza at Union Dr. will be EXIT ONLY.

ADA Accessibility **SAME LOCATIONS AS 2023**

• Accessible Parking (limited availability) will be available with a gate at MCKINKLEY & WELLS DRIVE NEAR THE JEWEL BOX (see Map Above). You must have a state issued ADA Accessible Parking tag or plates to access this parking area.

• The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is an outdoor event and the natural terrain may at times be difficult to traverse.

Additional Public Transportation Notes

• Central Fields is located just under a mile from two MetroLink stations. Eastbound passengers should exit at Forest Park-Debaliviere, walk south into the Park and then east on Grand Dr. Westbound passengers should exit at Central West End, walk west on Children’s Place, cross into the Park and follow westbound walking paths to Faulkner Dr.

• Be sure to download Transit, the official app of Metro Transit. Purchase your Metro passes ahead of time on the Transit app, which also provides route maps, next departure times and trip planning, including a trip that combines Metro Transit with ride-sharing.