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June 20-22 2025

always the 3rd friday & Saturday in June

event details

 friday & saturday night 5-10p
times flex according to weather conditions

5:00p gates open

5:30p live music

          Friday - 

          Saturday - TBD

6:00p Hot Air Balloons!

          the race begins & the Balloons Fly!

          sponsored by Galena On the Fly

 

 

8:30p Hot Air Balloon Nightglow!

         sponsored by FS Stevenson Service Company

5p-9p Inflatables for the kids

 

classic car show - SATURDAY NIGHT! Starts at 6pm!  Special Thanks to these car clubs!!

Antique Town Rods, Galena, IL

High Point Cruisers, Scales Mound, IL

Southwest Wisconsin Auto Club, Platteville, WI

 

saturday & sunday morning 5am

Hot Air Balloons! Crack of Dawn Balloon Race!

CHECK OUT THE NIGHT GLOW EXTRAVAGANZA!
Come watch the balloons fly at 5am Saturday and Sunday depending on the weather. We put updates on Facebook and our website if balloons are not flying. They set up and take off in about 30 minutes.

Short and sweet... bring a coffee and a folding chair, it's a fun peaceful morning. Times flex according to weather conditions


NO SHUTTLE for 5am flights ONLY park on Walnut St by the event field
no carry-in's please
we are raising $$ for a great camp called Camp Hertko Hollow for kids with diabetes and Juvenile Diabetes Research (JDRF)
cash only event - sorry
no credit or debit cards
parking
parking info available in March
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sponsored by

Eagle Ridge Resort

& Spa

about
Live music & entertainment for the whole family

sponsored by
FS Stephenson Service Company

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About The Balloon Race
The Great Galena Balloon Race benefits JDRF and Camp Hertko Hollow. The event has raised more than $350,000 for kids with diabetes since the event began in 2002.
 
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volunteer

VOLUNTEER

AT THE GREAT GALENA BALLOON RACE

Sponsors

FAQs

FAQ's

balloon rides - yes. contact our friends at www.buyaballoonride.com
weather - looks good!get the latest here
food/drinks - yes. we have burgers, hot dogs, walking-tacos & more... to drink we have soft-drinks, beer, & wine
pets - yes. but it's crowded, be sure your pet is ready for a crowd and you are in charge of clean up
cash event - sorry no credit or debit cards
ATM on site.
no carry-ins - no coolers, no carry-in's please, we are raising $$ for charity
weather - looks good!
get the latest here
pets - yes. but it's crowded, be sure your pet is ready for a crowd and you are in charge of clean up
admission - $5 per adult $5 per child over 3 years old -  at the gate
the entire amount goes to charity
what to bring - blankets, chairs - grab a spot, listen to music & watch the balloons
balloon rides - yes. contact our friends at www.buyaballoonride.com
food/drinks - yes. we have burgers, hot dogs, walking-tacos & more... to drink we have soft-drinks, beer, & wine
directions - scroll down to the Google map below
FREE parking - follow the signs to remote parking.

PARKING & SHUTTLE LOCATIONS:

- Big Field - bottom of Mt. Hope Rd near Thunder Bay (follow signs)

- South Course parking lot

- East Couse parking lot

FOUR shuttles run about every 15 minutes.

VIP PARKING & HANDICAP PARKING AT THE EVENT FIELD (learn more)


NO SHUTTLE for the 5am Flights on Saturday & Sunday AM (park on Walnut)

 

Contact Us - before you ask, please read the schedule & FAQs

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