Great BalloonFest Application

The Kentucky Derby Festival Great BalloonFest is one of Louisville’s favorite spring traditions. Over two days, two different events will come together to elevate the fun. This year, the Balloon Glow will move to Waterfront Park, and the Balloon Race will take place at Bowman Field.

  • Great Balloon Glow at Kroger’s Fest-a-ville on the Waterfront
    • Friday, April 29 – Due to space, this event will have a CAP and balloons entrants will be accepted based on their application submission, receival of payment, as well as their participation history.
  • Great Balloon Race at Bowman Field
    • Saturday, April 30 – Weather continency is Saturday Evening

There are two packages available for participation:

Corporate Balloon Package ($1,000)

  • Six (6) Tickets to Friday Night Hospitality Dinner at Fest-a-ville
  • Two (2) parking passes for Great Balloon Glow
  • One (1) Great BalloonFest Pilot Jacket
  • One (1) Great BalloonFest Polo

Sport Balloon Package ($200)

  • Four (4) Tickets to Friday Night Hospitality Dinner at Fest-a-ville
  • Two (2) parking passes for Great Balloon Glow
  • One (1) Great BalloonFest Pilot Jacket

There are multiple options available as add-ons:

These options are available as add-ons to your overall package:

  • Additional Hospitality Dinner Ticket ($15)
  • Additional Parking Pass ($10)
  • Great BalloonFest Jacket ($65)
  • Great BalloonFest Polo ($35)
  • Great BalloonFest Hat ($20)
  • 2022 Great BalloonFest Metal Event Pin ($8/pin)

Customized Pin Set Featuring Your Balloon:

Balloon participants can also order customized metal pins to share. The pins are $5.50 each and require a minimum order of 100.

Orders must be placed by March 15 by contacting Bridget Sherrill, VP of Merchandising, bsherrill@kdf.org or (502) 584-3378.

Submit your application below:

PLEASE NOTE: This application does not guarantee entry into the Great Balloon Glow or Great Balloon Race. Once accepted, the Kentucky Derby Festival will send an agreement to the Corporate Contact and pilot.

Once your application is approved, there will be an opportunity to reserve hotel rooms at an additional expense. More information will be shared once your participation is confirmed.

For qualification, all pilots must have logged 150 total hours’ flight time in hot air balloons. All hours must have been logged prior to one week before the event, or logged 100 hours in
hot air balloons with a minimum of 25 hours of pilot-in-command being
logged within the previous six months.

If you have any questions, please contact Event Manager, Jenn Churik at jchurik@kdf.org or (502) 584-FEST.