BROOKFIELD – For nearly half a century, Labor Day weekend in north Missouri has meant one thing: the skies above Brookfield filling with color as hot air balloons rise at dawn and glow against the night sky. This year, the tradition continues with the 49th Annual Great Pershing Balloon Derby, set for, Fri., Aug. 29 through Mon., Sept. 1, 2025.

Organizers say the four-day festival will be packed with flights, parades, food, music, and family fun—cementing its reputation as one of the premier ballooning events in the Midwest. Sponsored by Green Hills Ballooning, Inc., the derby draws thousands of spectators each year and has become a source of local pride since its launch in 1977.

A Weekend of Traditions — and New Additions

The event kicks off this evening on South Main Street with the South Main Night Flame, a dramatic display where tethered balloons light up the night in a choreographed glow. Adding even more excitement this year, the Brookfield Fire Department will debut its first-ever Firefighter Splashdown, spraying arcs of water from fire trucks and giving kids (and adults) the chance to cool off and even try handling a fire hose.

On Saturday, the action begins early with the John Petrehn Memorial Cup Flight at 7:15 a.m., followed by a full day of activities in East Twin Park. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can browse craft vendors, direct sales booths, a flea market, garage sales, and plenty of food vendors. At noon, Main Street will come alive with the beloved Balloon Derby Parade, a highlight of the weekend featuring floats, bands, and community entries.

Saturday evening brings more ballooning magic with a 6 p.m. launch and the Basel Downey Memorial Launch Site Nite Lite, an after-dark glow that transforms the field into a lantern-lit spectacle.

Sunday continues with another early morning balloon flight, followed by evening launches and another Nite Lite. The event wraps up Monday morning with one final 7:15 a.m. flight, sending the balloons skyward in a farewell to summer.

Admission and Souvenirs

Entry to the Myron Peacher Memorial Launch Site is just $3 per person or $10 per vehicle, with children under 4 admitted free. Weekend passes are available for $20 through NCM Graphics, covering all occupants of a vehicle for unlimited access to the spectator field.

For fans wanting a keepsake, official derby T-shirts are available for presale through NCM Graphics or Dee White. Souvenirs and plenty of food options will also be sold onsite.

Community Impact

The Balloon Derby isn’t just a festival—it’s a community anchor. Local businesses, civic groups, and sponsors pitch in to make the event possible, and the economic boost to Brookfield is significant as visitors fill restaurants, hotels, and shops. For many families, the derby has become a Labor Day tradition, passed down through generations.

And while balloons are the stars of the show, the weekend also serves as a reminder of the teamwork, volunteers, and community spirit that lift the event off the ground year after year.

Important Reminders

Balloon rides are not sold at the event, and organizers stress that drones are not permitted in the restricted airspace during flights. All events are weather-dependent, and announcements will be made if conditions affect the schedule.

Event at a Glance

Fri., Aug. 29: Firefighter Splashdown; South Main Night Flame – 7:30 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 30: John Petrehn Memorial Cup Flight – 7:15 a.m.; East Twin Park vendors 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Balloon Derby Parade – Noon; Evening Flight – 6 p.m.; Basel Downey Memorial Launch Site Nite Lite – 7:30 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 31: Morning Flight – 7:15 a.m.; Evening Flight – 6 p.m.; Basel Downey Memorial Launch Site Nite Lite – 7:30 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 1: Final Morning Flight – 7:15 a.m.

For more information and updates, visit www.pershingballoonderby.com or follow the Great Pershing Balloon Derby on Facebook.

As the 49th edition takes flight, excitement is already building for next year’s milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Great Pershing Balloon Derby, promising to be bigger than ever. But first, all eyes turn to the skies above Brookfield this Labor Day weekend, where the tradition continues and memories are waiting to be made.