Thanks for an amazing 2025 event!
A World Class Balloon Festival
Presented By
Race Start
JUNE 12 - 14, 2026
Longview will be returning to the Great Texas Balloon Race competition to run June 12-14, 2026. We hope to see you there!
On the Clock
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.
Presented By
East Texas Ear, Nose & Throat
Hawkins Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care
Healthy Paws Animal Hospital
Norris Cylinder
Elrod Legal
Pilots
the GTBR proudly welcomes our pilots for the 2025 national hot air balloon championship. You can click below to view each pilots balloon and sponsors.
Bill Bussey
Longview, TX
Bill Baker
Longview, TX
Rick James
Judson, TX
Collin McClung
Longview, TX
Jayson Barnhill
Longview, TX
Rodney Williams
Branson, MO
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.