NextStop Blog

Metro Transit makes it easy for you to enjoy all of the fun and excitement of the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow on Friday, September 17, and Balloon Race on Saturday, September 18, while avoiding parking hassles and heavy traffic in and around Forest Park.

Park your vehicle at any one of 20 free Metro Park-Ride lots in Illinois and Missouri, and ride MetroLink to the festivities. Reminder: Masks are required for everyone riding on Metro Transit and at all MetroLink Stations and Metro Transit Centers.

Metro Transit will operate additional MetroLink trains as needed during the evening on Friday, September 17, to accommodate potentially large crowds at this year’s Balloon Glow, located at Central Fields in Forest Park. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., closing with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

The Balloon Race begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, with the balloons launching at 4:30 p.m. For more information and schedules for both events, visit greatforestparkballoonrace.com.

If your weekend plans include the Balloon Glow or Balloon Race, you can ride MetroLink to the Central West End MetroLink Station, which is located about a half-mile from the events at Central Fields. From the Central West End Station, head west on Children’s Place, cross Kingshighway into Forest Park, and then follow the walking paths to Faulkner Drive and Central Fields.

Metro Transit will NOT be operating special bus shuttle service to or from the balloon glow or race events.

Download the Transit app to plan your trip – and pay your fare – for the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Balloon Race. You can also plan your trip by using our online Trip Planner, or by contacting Metro Transit Information at 314.231.2345 (phone) or 314.207.9786 (text), available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.