A World Class Balloon Festival
Considered by many of the pilots that compete at the Great Texas Balloon Race to be the best run event on the circuit, the Great Texas Balloon Race earned Longview the official designation as “The Balloon Capital of Texas” by the Governor of Texas in 1985.
In 2013 Gregg County was proclaimed “The Balloon Race Capital of Texas” by the 83rd Texas Legislature.
Race Start
JULY 22-25, 2027
The Great Texas Balloon Race will celebrate its 50th year with a 4-day competition July 22-25, 2027. We hope to see you there!
On the Clock
The Great Texas Balloon Race
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Featured Event
Drone Show
Don’t miss this year’s return of a spectacular annual drone show Friday and Saturday nights. This new crowd favorite is a great addition to the Great Texas Balloon Race along with the Bill Bussey Balloon Glows, curated concerts and more.
Special Shape Balloons
Our special shape balloons will inflate at various locations around Longview on Friday and Saturday morning. Inflations are set 7-7:45 a.m.
The balloons will also inflate in the evenings at the event grounds at 8:50 p.m. during the Bill Bussey Balloon Glow.
