Cruise-In car show!
Great Galena Balloon Race
Bring your classic, custom, muscle car, hot rod, truck, or specialty vehicle and join us for the Great Galena Balloon Race Cruise-In!
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Whether you're showing off a beautifully restored classic, a modern custom build, or your weekend cruiser, all makes, models, and years are welcome.
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Cruise-In participants typically begin arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 PM. As spectators enter the balloon race grounds at 5:00 PM, they'll have the opportunity to stroll through the Cruise-In and admire the vehicles before the evening balloon launch begins around 6:30 PM.
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This is a casual, non-judged event designed for car enthusiasts to gather, share stories, and enjoy an evening surrounded by great cars, hot air balloons, food, live music, and thousands of spectators.
Participants are welcome to stay as long as they'd like. Most vehicles remain on display until approximately 7:30 PM, while others stay throughout the evening festivities, which conclude at 10:00 PM.
No registration. No judging. Just great cars and a great evening at the Great Galena Balloon Race.
Getting Here is Easy!
Enter Eagle Ridge via Territory Drive and turn onto Maintenance Road. Follow the marked route to the North Course Driving Range, where Cruise-In volunteers will direct you to the display area.
the details
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Location: North Course Driving Range at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena, Illinois
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Entrance Route: Enter via Maintenance Road off Territory Drive and follow the directional signage to the Cruise-In area (see map below).
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Arrival Time: Cruise in between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
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Display Area: Vehicles will be parked on the North Course Driving Range alongside the Great Galena Balloon Race launch field.
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Cost: Free to participate.
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Registration: No registration required.
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Vehicle Eligibility: All classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, customs, trucks, and specialty vehicles are welcome.
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Public Viewing: Balloon Race spectators begin entering the grounds at 5:00 PM, giving them plenty of time to admire the vehicles before the balloons launch.
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Balloon Launch: Weather permitting, hot air balloons are scheduled to launch around 6:30 PM.
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Stay As Long As You'd Like: Most participants remain until approximately 7:30 PM, but you're welcome to stay and enjoy the evening festivities.
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Event Features: Food vendors, beverages, live music, family activities, and dozens of hot air balloons.
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Departure: Participants may leave at any time. Please use caution and watch for pedestrians when exiting the display area.