April 26, 2024. Louisville, KY. – Kentucky Derby Festival officials are keeping an eye on the forecast for tonight’s L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow, scheduled for tonight at 9 p.m. at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville. The forecast currently calls for sustained winds at 10 to 12 mph, in addition to gusts between 20 to 30 mph. Those wind conditions would be too high for the balloons to inflate for a full glow.

If the balloons can’t inflate in a traditional Glow, there will be a Candlestick Glow, where the pilots will fire their burners to light up the night sky along the waterfront. Fans will still be able to walk among the balloons, interact with the pilots and get photos with the balloon baskets. Tonight’s balloon event will be followed by an all-new Drone Show.

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 entrance to events. Contributing Sponsors of the L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest are Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, Kentucky State Parks, KRC Roofing & Construction and UA Local 502. Official Cookie Sponsor: Tiff’s Treats. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: MIX 106.9.

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.