Great BalloonFest: What are the times, dates and forecast for the race?
It's Kentucky Derby Festival season in Louisville, which means the city is a big party — horses will race, mint juleps will be drunk, music will be played and balloons will take to the sky.
L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest will feature four hot-air balloon events, two Balloon Glows and two Balloon Races, starting Thursday evening, according to a release.
Cloudy skies and rain in the forecast mean one or more events might be canceled.
Admission to the L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest is free with a 2024 Pegasus Pin. Pegasus Pins cost $7 when bought ahead of time in retail stores and $10 if you buy them at the entrance.
More: Kroger's Fest-A-Ville is back. Here's your 2024 guide to the popular Kentucky Derby Festival event
What are the L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest events?
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville
When: 9 p.m., Thursday, April 25
Where: Waterfront Park
What: Along with seeing balloons glow against the Louisville skyline, the balloon parade is at 7:30 p.m.
"This one-of-a-kind experience features balloons on the field but they do not ascend," according to a release. "As the pilots fire their burners, guests can watch the balloons glow against the night sky synchronized to a special musical score."
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race
When: 7 a.m. Friday, April 26
What: "Launching from Bowman Field, it offers an eye-catching view for those driving on their way to work," the release states.
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Glow
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
L&N Federal Credit Union Great Balloon Race
When: 7 a.m. Saturday, April 27
What: More than 20 hot-air balloons will launch from Bowman Field in the main event of the L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest.
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What is the forecast for the L&N Federal Credit Union Great BalloonFest weekend?
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 65 degrees. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Thursday evening: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45 degrees. Northeast wind around 7 mph.
Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73 degrees. East wind 6 to 11 mph becoming south in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday night: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 65 degrees. South wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Saturday: A 10% chance of showers before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 82 degrees. Breezy, with a south wind of 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2024 Kentucky Derby Festival: See the list of the BalloonFest events