Admission to the Great Galena Balloon Race is $5 per person for anyone over the age of three. This is a cash donation that is paid at the gate when you arrive. All proceeds from admission go directly to support Breakthrough T1D (https://www.breakthrought1d.org/)a(https://www.breakthrought1d.org/)nd Camp Hertko Hollow,(https://www.camphertkohollow.com/) helping fund research, support programs, and life-changing camp experiences for children living with type 1 diabetes. We like to think of it less as an entry fee and more as a small donation to two incredible causes. Your support helps make the event possible while giving back to families affected by T1D.

Absolutely! Galena On The Fly (https://www.buyaballoonride.com/ggbr)will have ride balloons flying alongside the other balloons during the event. Balloon rides are $250 per person and offered Friday PM, Saturday AM & PM and Sunday AM (weather permitting) . Watching the balloons launch is incredible—but experiencing it from the basket is unforgettable!

When the Great Galena Balloon Race first started in 2002, it actually was a competitive balloon race. Pilots competed in traditional hot air balloon tasks that tested their flying skills and navigation. Over the years, however, weather conditions often made it difficult to safely hold competitions—and sometimes prevented balloons from flying at all. Because of this, the event gradually evolved into more of a festival-style gathering where pilots fly simply for the joy of flying and for the crowd to enjoy the spectacle of hot air balloons. Even though the competition is no longer part of the event, the name Great Galena Balloon Race has been part of the tradition for more than two decades. At this point, changing it just wouldn’t feel right. The name stayed the same—the spirit of the event just shifted from competition to celebration.

There will be one ATM available on site, but with thousands of attendees expected, lines can be long and cash may run out. The Great Galena Balloon Race is a cash-only event, so we strongly recommend stopping at an ATM before you arrive. Bringing cash will help make entry, food vendors, and other purchases quicker and easier so you can spend more time enjoying the balloons!