The Great Galena Balloon Race returns to Galena June 19 through June 21, 2026, bringing colorful hot air balloons, live entertainment, food vendors, and unforgettable summer scenery to the Driftless Region. One of the area’s most popular annual events, the annual balloon race draws visitors from across the Midwest for a weekend filled with scenic views and small-town charm.

One of the things that makes the Great Galena Balloon Race so memorable is the setting itself. Watching colorful balloons drift above the rolling hills and wooded valleys of northwest Illinois creates a scene unlike almost anything else in the Midwest. The combination of open countryside, warm summer evenings, and dozens of glowing balloons gives the festival a relaxed and unforgettable atmosphere.

Even visitors who have attended balloon festivals elsewhere are often surprised by how close they can get to the action in Galena. Seeing the enormous balloons inflate before lift-off is an experience all its own.

And all just a little over ten minutes from Hawk Valley Retreat, the nature lover’s bed and breakfast.

Sunrise Launches and Evening Balloon Glows

One of the highlights of the Great Galena Balloon Race 2026 is watching dozens of hot air balloons rise into the sky during the early morning launches. These “Crack of Dawn” flights take advantage of calmer winds and cooler temperatures while creating breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.

The early morning launches are especially popular with photographers and nature lovers. The soft morning light and scenic landscape create ideal conditions for photography and unforgettable memories.

As the sun rises, the balloons slowly lift into the cool morning air to float over the peaceful hills and valleys below. Attending these dawn launches may mean getting up before sunrise, but many consider the sunrise launches the highlight of the weekend.

If that’s too early – or you want to see yet another stunning spectacle – you’ll not want to miss the evening  balloon glow events occurring after sunset. Watching these big, beautiful, illuminated balloons light up the darkening sky is one of the most arresting and photographed moments of the entire weekend!

More Than Just Hot Air Balloons

While the hot air balloons are the main attraction, Great Galena Balloon Race 2026 offers much more than launch events.

Car enthusiasts, for example, won’t want to miss Saturday evening’s Classic Car Show. This popular event features vintage and specialty vehicles from car clubs around the region. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy live music at the festival. The Wundo Band Friday night and The Noize Saturday.

There are also food vendors, family-friendly activities for the kids, and scenic views throughout the weekend. Downtown shops, restaurants, wineries, hiking trails, and scenic drives all help round out the experience.

You can also feel good about attending Great Galena Balloon Race 2026. Since its founding in 2002, this event has helped raise funds benefiting children with diabetes and organizations supporting diabetes programs and camps.

Great Galena Balloon Race 2026 Schedule

The 2026 festival takes place June 19-21 at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena.

Friday, June 19
5pm – Gates open
5pm-9pm – Inflatables for the kids
5:30pm – Live music: The Wundo Band
6:00pm – Hot Air Balloon Race Begins
8:30pm – Hot Air Balloon Nightglow
10pm – Gates Close

Saturday, June 20
5am – Crack of Dawn Balloon Race
5pm – Gates open
5pm-9pm – Inflatables for the kids
5:30pm – Live music: The Noize
6pm – Classic Car Show
6:30pm – Hot Air Balloons Fly
8:30pm – Hot Air Balloon Nightglow
10pm – Gates Close

Sunday, June 21
5am – Crack of Dawn Balloon Race

Stay Close to the Action at Hawk Valley Retreat

After a fund day spent at Great Galena Balloon Race 2026, returning to the peaceful surroundings of Hawk Valley Retreat offers the perfect balance. Located just minutes from downtown Galena, our nature lover’s bed and breakfast provides a quiet, adult-only setting surrounded by rolling countryside.

Guests can spend the evening relaxing outdoors, enjoying scenic views, and unwinding after the excitement of the festival. Early risers will also appreciate having a calm and comfortable place to begin the day before heading out to the morning balloon launches.

Summer weekends in Galena are always popular, and the balloon race consistently draws large crowds. Booking your accommodations early is one of the best ways to make sure your getaway is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Plan Ahead for the Great Galena Balloon Race 2026

The Great Galena Balloon Race 2026 combines colorful scenery, festive energy, and memorable summer experiences in the heart of the Driftless Region. Whether you are visiting for the sunrise launches, the evening balloon glows, or simply a relaxing weekend away, this event offers one of the most scenic summer traditions in northwest Illinois.

If you are ready to experience one of Galena’s signature summer events, now is the perfect time to plan your stay at Hawk Valley Retreat.

For additional event details and schedules, visit the official Great Galena Balloon Race website.