L&N FEDERAL CREDIT UNION GREAT BALLOONFEST RETURNS THURSDAY
April 21, 2026. Louisville, KY. – The L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest – one of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events – takes flight Thursday with four hot-air balloon events over three days! 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 23 and run through Saturday, April 25.
It kicks off Thursday, April 23 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 fifth 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. The Balloon Glow will be streamed live on WLKY.com on Thursday, April 23, and a special broadcast will air on Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m. on WLKY.
The fun continues the following morning on Friday, April 24 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. Also, on Friday, April 24 is the second L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow at 9 p.m. at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront.
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 25. A field of 29 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 2026 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins are $7 in advance at retail outlets and $10 at the entrance to events. Sponsor: L&N Federal Credit Union. Contributing Sponsors: Ivy Tech Community College, KCS Foundation and Waterproofing, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park, Kentucky State Parks, Shady Rays and UA Local 502/MCA. 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.
About Kentucky Derby Festival
2026 marks the 71st year for the Kentucky Derby Festival, a month-long celebration packed with 70+ events leading up to the first Saturday in May. As an independent community organization, it’s supported by 4,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people every spring and has a local economic impact of more than $200 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
