SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. — The skies above Northwest Louisiana will be filled with color and excitement as the 2025 Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally returns to Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack on Friday and Saturday, July 18–19. The annual event, presented by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission in partnership with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, promises two evenings packed with hot air balloons, live entertainment, fireworks, and family-friendly attractions.
Gates will be open from 5:00 to 10:00 PM both evenings, with general admission just $5 for ages 6 and up. Children 5 and under get in free, and all tickets will be sold at the gate.
Weekend Highlights Include:
- Live Music:
- Friday – DJ Hot Boy Yoshi and Reputation, a Taylor Swift tribute band
- Saturday – Selena by Amanda Solis and The Tailgate Poets
- Tethered Balloon Rides – $25 per person (cash only)
- Free Kids Zone, sponsored by Cosse and Silmon Orthodontics
- Bossier City Farmers Market vendors (indoors and outdoors)
- Balloon Glow each night at 8:11 PM, sponsored by Delta Utilities
- Fireworks Show at 9:45 PM, sponsored by Team Logic IT and Stuart’s Integrated Systems
- Free Parking courtesy of the Shreveport Aquarium
- Free Pedicab Rides to and from the entrance, provided by Noble Pedicab
“We’re thrilled to serve as the title sponsor for the 2025 Red River Balloon Rally, and equally thrilled to be your new local natural gas provider,” said Sam Walters, Director of Delta Utilities. “This event perfectly aligns with two of our core values: Safety and Community Involvement.”
Delta Utilities is using the rally as a platform to educate the public about the importance of calling 811 before any digging project, promoting excavation safety throughout the region.
Additional Activities:
- Mini balloon displays and special character balloons will appear Friday and Saturday mornings (July 18–19) from 6:45–8:00 AM at sponsor locations throughout the community.
- Barksdale Balloon Glow for military families will take place on Thursday, July 17, behind Hunt Housing on Barksdale Air Force Base, exclusively for DoD cardholders and their families.
The rally is part of the Louisiana State Ballooning Championship, with 25 of the nation’s top pilots competing in precision flying challenges. Competitive flights are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings from 6:30 to 8:00 AM, weather permitting.
“Events like the Delta Utilities Red River Balloon Rally are more than just fun—they’re strategic opportunities to grow Shreveport-Bossier,” said Stacy Brown, President and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “By showcasing our region through events like this, we are fueling tourism, supporting local businesses, and growing our economy.”
For more information, visit redriverballoonrally.com or follow Visit Shreveport-Bossier on social media.