Mark your calendars for June 20-22, 2025, when the skies above Galena, IL, come alive with Great Galena Balloon Race 2025. This beloved, 3-day festival offers a unique blend of breathtaking hot air balloons, live entertainment, food, fun, and more – and all for a good cause!

The festivities kick off Friday and Saturday night at 5pm with food, fun activities for the kids, and live music. The hot air balloon races begin as the sun sets, a truly exciting spectacle. The highlight of the evening comes after dark, with the Night Glow Extravaganza. Here, fully inflated yet tethered balloons illuminate the night with their colorful, captivating glow. Mesmerizing and not to be missed.

Early risers will enjoy the serene experience of the “Crack of Dawn Balloon Race,” Saturday and Sunday mornings at 5am. You’ll watch as the balloons gracefully rise against the quiet backdrop of Galena’s rolling hills. A truly perfect moment for hot air ballooning and photography enthusiasts alike.

You say you wish you could join the folks up in those big, beautiful balloons? You can! Galena On The Fly books hot air balloon rides at the festival. A unique opportunity to enjoy an expansive view of Galena from above – what fun!

Down To Earth Attractions, Too

Meanwhile, down below, the Great Galena Balloon Race festival grounds are abuzz with energy and entertainment.

Attractions include live music performances by The Wundo Band on Friday and Ten Gallon Hat on Saturday. Local food vendors will also be on hand, offering a variety of classic festival fare for purchase. Hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, soda, and more.

Saturday offers the annual Classic Car Show at 6pm. Come check out the stunningly groomed and well kept vintage vehicles from local clubs.  The festival also offers a number of activities for kids, including inflatables.

Best of all, your $5 festival admission fee goes towards a good cause. The Great Galena Balloon Race has raised over $350,000 since its inception in 2002. Much needed funds for Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and Camp Hertko Hollow, a camp for children with diabetes.

And all just a little over ten minutes from our Galena bed and breakfast, Hawk Valley Retreat.

2025 Great Galena Balloon Race Schedule

Friday, June 20
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 21
5am – Crack of Dawn Balloon Race
5pm – Gates open
5pm-9pm – Inflatables for the kids
5:30pm – Live music: Ten Gallon Hat
6pm – Classic Car Show
6pm – Hot Air Balloons Fly
8:30pm – Hot Air Balloon Nightglow
10pm – Gates Close

Sunday, June 22
5am – Crack of Dawn Balloon Race

Great Galena Balloon Race is held at 400 Eagle Ridge Drive, a short drive from Hawk Valley Retreat. Enjoy your evening (or early morning!) at the festival, then it’s just a quick trip back to the comforts of your room at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages, the nature lovers bed and breakfast.

Visit the festival website for tickets and more information. You can also follow this event on Facebook.