06/12/2026
We're PUMPED for Friday! It's the first official day of competition flights in the 2026 Great Texas Balloon Race, we've got Special Shape static inflations around town in the morning, AND it marks first night of the GTBR festival! It's going to be an AMAZING day in Longview! Here's what to expect:
โฐ 6:30 a.m.: Competition flights will begin as weather allows! We'll post a public target location around 6:30 a.m. Be sure to check our page, Instagram, or website for updates.
โฐ 7:00-7:45 a.m.: Special Shape Balloons will inflate around town!
Here's where to find them:
๐ฆ Baby Dino: Lot behind Eastman Credit Union, 3066 N. Eastman Rd.
๐ฆ No Problama: East Texas Ear, Nose, and Throat, 912 Walnut Hill Dr.
๐ Tiny the Fire Dog: Longview Mall (rear parking lot), 3500 McCann Rd.
โ๏ธ Beach Bound: Christus Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, 3133 Good Shepherd Way
๐ป Yogi: Whataburger/7-Eleven, 4018 W. Loop 281
๐ฆ Ducking Grateful: STEMCO, 300 Industrial Dr.
โฐ 7:00-10:00 a.m.: Tethered hot air balloon rides AND the walkabout balloon experience will be set up at the Longview Convention Complex. Tethered rides cost $25 per person; the walkabout balloon experience is $5 per person.
โฐ 5:00 p.m.: Gates open for the GTBR festival at the Longview Convention Complex! Tickets are $20 per person; children 12 and under are free with adult admission.
Your ticket includes access to a concert by L.A. Roxx at 7:30 p.m., the Special Shapes Spectacular at 8:15 p.m., the Bill Bussey Balloon Glow at 8:50 p.m. (weather permitting!), the drone show that will immediately follow the balloon glow, and Wes Jeans in concert at 9:45 p.m. Plus, we'll have the RE/MAX skydiving team, tons of vendors to explore, and more. Gates will close at midnight.
Some activities inside the gates require an additional fee. KidsLand will be open for children to explore at a fee of $5. Tethered hot air balloon rides will be available from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for $25. The walkabout balloon experience will be available from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for $5.
We'll see you tomorrow, Longview! Get ready to LOOK UP!