June 19-21, 2026
The Great Galena Balloon Race had its debut year in 2002 at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and has raised over $350,000 to benefit JDRF and Camp Herko Hollow for kids with Diabetes. We are extremely proud to be hosting this event year after year for this great cause and we look forward to you joining us.New This Year
This year we will be using food trucks during the event from 5pm-9pm. The following food trucks will be part of the event this year!Friday Night: 5pm - 9pm
- Bad Ash BBQ
- The Hangry Hobo
- Birds Chicken
- The Hangry Hobo
- Frank O'Dowds
- WPPO Pizza
Event Details
Friday and Saturday- 5:00 PM Gates Open
- 5:00PM to 9:00PM Food and Beverage available for purchase (tickets only)
- 5:00 PM to 9:00PM Inflatables for the kids
- 5:00 PM Live Music
- The Wundo Band
- 6:00 PM Hot Air Ballons take flight
- The Race Begins and the Balloons Fly
- 8:30 PM Hot Air Balloon Nightglow!
- 5:00 PM Gates Open
- 5:00PM to 9:00PM Food and Beverage available for purchase (tickets only)
- 5:00 PM to 9:00PM Inflatables for the kids
- 5:00 PM Live Music: The Noize
- 6:00 PM Hot Air Ballons take flight
- The Race Begins and the Balloons Fly
- 6:00PM Classic Car Show: Saturday Night Only: 6PM
- 8:30 PM Hot Air Balloon Nightglow!
The classic car show displays some of the most unique, classic and cool cars from around the tri-state area.
Special thanks to these area car clubs:
- Antique Town Rods, Galena Illinois
- High Point Cruisers, Scales Mound, Illinois
- Southwest Wisconsin Auto Club, Platteville, Wisconsin
Saturday and Sunday Morning
- 5:00AM The Great Galena Balloon Race
Come watch the balloons fly at 5AM Saturday and Sunday depending on the weather. We put updates on The Great Galena Balloon Race Facebook page if the balloons are not flying. They set up and take off in about 30 minutes. Its short and sweet so bring a cup of coffee and a folding chair and enjoy a fun and peaceful morning. Times flex depending on weather condition