The CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally, presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, returns this weekend, June 11-12 at Brookshire Grocery Arena, located at 2000 Brookshire Arena Drive in Bossier City. Due to continued rains in north Louisiana, the festival moved its location from Louisiana State University Shreveport’s fields to the Brookshire Grocery Arena parking lot, formerly known as the CenturyLink Center. According to The Weather Channel, skies are projected to be cloudy and warm on the festival dates.
This two-day, family-friendly event is just the breath of fresh air and dose of vibrant colors we all need as the world reopens its doors to festivals. The balloon rally features a children’s play area, kite flying exhibition, cornhole tournament, tethered balloon rides, balloon glow, fireworks show, live entertainment, food, VIP experiences and more. Click here to see a full schedule of events.
Catch the Balloons in Flight, June 9-13, 6 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (Weather Permitting)
In addition to the festival, spectators can watch the nation’s top 30 hot air balloon pilots take flight June 9-13, as they race to claim the U.S. national title. Catch them in flight throughout the week from 6 a.m.-8:30 a.m., weather permitting. Follow the Red River Balloon Rally Facebook page for updates. Which balloon are your most excited to see soaring our sister cities? Click here to view them all.
DISCLAIMER: Hot air balloons rely solely on weather conditions for full functionality. Balloons are not guaranteed to take flight.
Colossal Kites – These are not your typical childhood kites.
In addition to hot air balloons, there will be a professional kite flying exhibition this year, including sports competition kites and inflatable, LED kites. Kites of all sizes and shapes will be flying in the balloon glow field starting at 5 p.m.
Festival Day One – Friday, June 11, 5-11 p.m.
Faith and Family Friday night is presented by First Bossier. In conjunction with Friday’s theme, the live entertainment includes First Bossier’s worship band, as well as Danny Gokey, an American Christian singer that won third place on the eighth season of American Idol.
Festival Day Two – Saturday, June 12, 5-11 p.m.
This Louisiana Saturday night themed event features live music from The Molly Ringwalds, a popular party band that travels across the South playing top 80’s hits. If you haven’t been to one of their shows, purchase a ticket to the balloon rally now, so you don’t miss it. Their stage presence is energetic and passionate. Their song list is comprised of timeless chart toppers that defined the decade.
For more information about the CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally, visit www.redriverballoonrally.com. For more festivals and events happening in Shreveport-Bossier, click here.
