Red River Balloon Rally Draws Thousands in Bossier City with Vibrant Nighttime Glow

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer
Published July 20, 2025

The annual Red River Balloon Rally returned to Bossier City on July 18 & 19, lighting up the skies and drawing thousands of attendees from across the Ark-La-Tex region. Held at the Louisiana Downs racetrack, the event featured a colorful showcase of hot air balloons, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the fan-favorite nighttime “balloon glow” that lit up the evening sky.

Organized in partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally team, the two-day festival highlighted competitive hot air ballooning with pilots from across the country participating in flights and races. Visitors were able to watch the balloons inflate, take off, and, in many cases, land nearby, offering a unique and up-close experience.

One of the most anticipated parts of the event was the Balloon Glow on both Friday and Saturday nights. As the sun set, dozens of anchored hot air balloons were illuminated from within by their burners, creating a dazzling, synchronized light show on the field. The glow drew cheers from spectators and provided memorable photo opportunities for families and guests of all ages.

“The glow is always the most magical part,” said Allison Raines, a volunteer with the event. “Seeing the balloons light up against the night sky is something people talk about all year.”

In addition to the balloons, the rally featured live music from local bands, regional food vendors, and interactive booths hosted by sponsors and community organizations. Children enjoyed a designated play zone with inflatables, face painting, and STEM-related educational exhibits aimed at sparking interest in science and aviation.

Security and traffic flow were coordinated by local law enforcement agencies, who reported high attendance but no major incidents. Parking lots around the venue reached capacity during peak evening hours, and shuttle services helped accommodate the large crowds.

Officials with the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission said the rally continues to grow in popularity each year and serves as a major tourism and economic driver for the region. "Events like this help showcase what our area has to offer," said Sara Martin, marketing director for the commission. “It brings families together, highlights the talent of balloonists, and boosts local businesses through increased visitation.”

The Red River Balloon Rally is also sanctioned by the Balloon Federation of America and often serves as part of the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship qualifying circuit, making it a significant event for competitive pilots.

As the balloons deflated and crews packed up on Saturday night, attendees lingered to take in the final sights and sounds of a successful weekend. Organizers confirmed that planning is already underway for the 2026 rally, which they hope will be even bigger and better.

Whether for the spectacle of the glowing balloons or the community atmosphere, this year’s rally offered a bright summer highlight for Bossier City and beyond.