Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Great Galena Balloon Race

Fri, Jun 20 – Sun, Jun 22, 2025 • 5:00pm - 10:00pm

444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, IL 61036

Hot Air Balloon Race and Festival in Galena!

Explore these magical inventions at this spectacular three-day event. Get right up close to the balloons and learn all about them.

This event features more than 20 hot air balloons, three races, a night glow extravaganza, live music, an art show, car show, and activities for the whole family.

The Great Galena Art Show takes over the Big Tent on Saturday night. Local artists show and sell amazing art at an event.

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.

Images

More Information

Shuttle runs every 15 minutes. Parking & Shuttle Locations:
-Big Field - bottom of Mt. Hope R
-South Course parking lot
-East Course parking lot

Cash event - no credit cards/ATM on site
$5 per adult $5 per child over 3 years old - at the gate

How to find us?

Back to Listings

Places to stay nearby...

Rosebud Rentals, Inc.

Galena

Rosebud Rentals offers many luxury vacation homes to choose from with plenty of activities and fun for the entire family.

Read more about Rosebud Rentals, Inc.

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Galena

Set in the beautiful 6,800-acre Galena Territory, just 6 miles from the historic town of Galena. Featuring four champion golf courses, a luxury spa, 23 miles…

Read more about Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Three Kings & A Little Bling

Galena

Three Kings and A Little Bling: Your own three bedroom townhome with three luxuriously furnished king size beds, each with attached/adjacent baths - and every room…

Read more about Three Kings & A Little Bling

You might also be interested...

Julien Dubuque International Film Fest Screenings in Galena

Galena Center for the Arts, DeSoto House Hotel •  Apr 21 – Apr 22 @ 10AM

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) begins with the first 2 days in Galena in the Desoto House Hotel and the Galena Center for the Arts

Read more about Julien Dubuque International Film Fest Screenings in Galena

General Grant's Home Front Reenactment & Encampment

Depot Park  •  Apr 26 – Apr 27 @ 9AM

Experience life in the 1860s through a Living History Encampment and Civil War Battle.

Read more about General Grant's Home Front Reenactment & Encampment

Galena Main Street Sidewalk Sale

Galena's Historic Main Street •  May 09 – May 11 @ 9:30AM

It's time to shake off the winter blues and welcome the warmth of spring with a shopping spree on Main Street! The merchants are clearing out…

Read more about Galena Main Street Sidewalk Sale

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.