April 23, 2024. Louisville, KY. – The L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest – one of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s most colorful and picturesque events – takes flight this week with four hot-air balloon events over three days! L&N Federal Credit Union is the Title Sponsor of the event lifting off Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27. This year’s BalloonFest features two Balloon Glows and two Balloon Races, giving fans even more opportunities to see the hot air balloons.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, April 25 at 9 p.m. 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 third 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 7:30 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 a special musical score. The Balloon Glow will be streamed live on WLKY.com on Thursday, April 25, and a broadcast special will air on Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. on WLKY.
The fun continues the following morning on Friday, April 26 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 26 is the 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 27. A field of more than 20 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 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.
