Each summer, the skies above Shreveport-Bossier fill with color as hot air balloons rise over the region during the Red River Balloon Rally. The annual event returns July 10-11, 2026, bringing two nights of balloon glows, live entertainment, fireworks, food vendors and family activities to Louisiana Downs in Bossier City.
The rally has become a summer tradition for many families across northwest Louisiana, attracting visitors from Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas. More than 20 hot air balloons are expected to participate in the Louisiana State Ballooning Championship, where pilots compete in precision events during early morning flights across the region.
For many attendees, the Balloon Glow remains one of the event’s signature attractions.
As the sun sets over Louisiana Downs, balloon pilots ignite their burners in coordinated bursts, illuminating the balloons against the night sky while music plays throughout the festival grounds. The glow draws thousands of spectators each year and provides one of the event’s most popular photo opportunities.
Festival gates open at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with activities continuing until approximately 10 p.m. both nights. Organizers encourage guests to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment, food and activities before the evening glow begins.
The rally takes place at Louisiana Downs, which offers both outdoor festival space and indoor areas for guests seeking relief from the summer heat. Parking is free.
Admission is $5 at the gate for guests ages 6 and older. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Tickets will be available only at the gate during the event.
One of the rally’s most popular attractions is the tethered balloon ride experience. Beginning around 6 p.m. each evening, guests can ride in anchored hot air balloons that rise above the festival grounds while remaining secured to the ground. Rides cost $25 per person and are weather dependent. Organizers note the rides are cash only and are not wheelchair accessible.
Live music will take place throughout both evenings. Organizers had not announced the complete entertainment lineup at press time, but performances are expected to continue throughout the night leading up to the Balloon Glow and fireworks displays.
Fireworks will conclude both nights of the rally. Friday night’s fireworks presentation is sponsored by Team Logic IT, while Saturday night’s show is sponsored by Stuart’s Integrated Services.
Families attending the event will also find children’s activities, vendors, shopping areas and food booths throughout the festival grounds. Organizers say the rally is designed to provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The Bossier Farmers Market and additional specialty vendors are expected to participate during the weekend, offering handmade goods, treats and festival food favorites.
While the nighttime events attract the largest crowds, the early morning championship flights remain an important part of the rally. Pilots launch near sunrise when wind conditions are typically calmer, navigating across the skies in an effort to place markers on designated targets below. The competition determines the Louisiana State Ballooning Champion.
Because ballooning activities depend heavily on weather conditions, organizers remind attendees that all events, including glows and tethered rides, may be delayed or canceled because of rain or wind. Organizers say no refunds or rain checks will be issued for canceled activities.
Guests are encouraged to review festival guidelines before attending. Outside food and beverages, coolers, drones, tents, weapons, smoking and pets are prohibited. Blankets and lawn chairs are permitted for guests planning to watch concerts and balloon glow activities.
Over the years, the Red River Balloon Rally has grown into one of the region’s largest family-oriented summer events. The combination of hot air balloons, live music, fireworks and festival activities continues to draw large crowds each year.
For many families, attending the rally has become an annual tradition. Children carrying glow sticks fill the festival grounds as families gather on blankets and lawn chairs waiting for sunset. As the balloons illuminate the night sky, many attendees pause to watch one of the area’s most recognizable summer events.
Additional information, schedules and festival updates are available at www.redriverballoonrally.com.
This article was orginally published in the June 2026 issue of Three18 Insider magazine.
