SHREVEPORT — The Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally returns to Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack this weekend for a 10th anniversary edition that organizers say is intended as a family-friendly celebration and a tourism draw for the Shreveport-Bossier area.
What’s planned and when
Hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and Visit Shreveport-Bossier, the two-night festival runs Friday and Saturday with gates open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 6 and older; children 5 and under enter free. Tickets will be sold only at the gate.
- Nightly balloon glows begin at 8:15 p.m.
- New this year: the Xfinity Drone Show at 9:15 p.m., featuring aerial icons inspired by North Louisiana
- Fireworks follow at 9:45 p.m.
- Tethered balloon rides are available for $25
- Live music and a free kids zone will be on site; local market vendors will offer shopping
"We wanted to make the 10th anniversary truly unforgettable for local families,"
said Emma Boone, coordinator for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, describing the decision to pair the balloon glows with the new drone presentation.
Entertainment, sponsors and local impact
The festival lineup includes performances on the SWEPCO Stage: That Girl DJ and Clay Logan on Friday, and Rewind and Animals — a Maroon 5 tribute band — on Saturday. Delta Utilities remains the title sponsor for the event, and its director, Sam Walters, noted the company intends to use the weekend to share safety information and to celebrate the community.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier president and CEO Stacy Brown emphasized the rally’s role beyond entertainment: organizers call it a key tourism driver that produces "memorable experiences for families while generating meaningful economic impact for our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses." That framing is consistent with broader efforts across Louisiana to parlay festivals and outdoor attractions into steady visitor traffic during summer months.
On-site offerings and family notes
Festival grounds will include a free kids zone as well as vendors from the Bossier City Farmers Market. Tethered balloon rides give attendees an up-close look at the balloons without the commitment of free flights. Organizers advise arriving early to secure parking and gate access, as tickets are limited to on-site sales only.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Gates open | 5:00 p.m. |
| Balloon glow | 8:15 p.m. |
| Drone show | 9:15 p.m. |
| Fireworks | 9:45 p.m. |
For families, the mix of music, food vendors and a children’s area aims to make the rally an all-evening experience. Organizers also point to the event’s longevity — 10 years — as evidence of local support. The inclusion of a drone show reflects growing interest nationally in combining traditional festival elements with new, technology-driven displays.
Visitors should note that admission is gate-only, and the price structure is age-based. Attendees looking for tethered balloon rides should be prepared to pay the separate fee. Rain or other severe weather could affect the night-sky elements; organizers traditionally post any schedule changes through Visit Shreveport-Bossier and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission channels.
The rally remains one of the larger summer gatherings in the metro area, bringing hot-air balloon glows and family activities to the Louisiana Downs grounds and reinforcing the region’s summer event calendar.
