Recognized by Louisville Magazine as Louisville’s “Best Event,” the 45th annual U.S. Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race will come together with the 23rd annual U.S. Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow and other events to create the U.S. Bank Kentucky Derby Festival Great BalloonFest.

Taking place the weekend before the Kentucky Derby, these five events attract tens of thousands of spectators to the Kentucky Exposition Center and other locations throughout Greater Louisville.

Thursday, April 27, 2017
7:00 AM: Great Balloon Charity Race Lift Off
8:30 PM: Great Balloon Glimmer Begins

Friday, April 28, 2017
7:00 AM: Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race Lift Off
9:00 PM: Great Balloon Glow Begins

Saturday, April 29, 2017
7:00 AM: Great Balloon Race Lift Off