Great Texas Balloon Race & Festival

About

Held in Longview at the Longview Convention Complex, the Great Texas Balloon Race earned the official designation as "The Balloon Capital of Texas" from the Governor of Texas in 1985 and is considered by competing pilots to be the best run event on the circuit. Established in 1978, it is the longest running hot-air balloon event in Texas, attracting crowds of over 100,000 spectators annually. The festival features special shape balloon inflations, vendors, KidsLand, tethered balloon rides, Bill Bussey Balloon Glows, live music, and drone shows. Note: vendor spots are full for 2026—arts/crafts, commercial, and food vendor slots are booked.

Details

Type

Festival

Season / Event Date(s)

Summer 2026

Venue

Longview Convention Complex

Tags

• balloons
• family-friendly
• annual