The 40th annual Great Forest Park Balloon Race will happen Saturday at Central Field, according to the website for the event.

Both of the events are free to the public.

At the Balloon Glow on Friday, there will be a separate fund-raising charity event organized by Humane Society of Missouri team members to benefit HSOM and Forest Park:  the "Glow in the Park Benefit." The benefit offers "dining and dancing next to the beautiful balloons."

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 14, 2012
7 to 8:30 p.m. — Balloon Glow walkthrough with refreshments and food
9 p.m. — Fireworks finale from PNC Bank

Saturday, September 15, 2012
Noon to 6:30 p.m. — Balloon Race, along with activities for kids, skydivers and more entertainment.

*Sunday, September 16, 2012*
Saturday festivities will be held Sunday in the event of inclement weather. Rain is not expected Saturday in St. Louis, the National Weather Service states.

PARKING

This is also free. Visitors may access Forest Park from any entrance and are encouraged to arrive before 2 p.m. in order to find a parking spot, the Balloon Race website states. Drivers are invited to use The Muny parking lot, which is near the launch site. Parking also is available for people with special needs.

A complete schedule and additional information is available by going to greatforestparkballoonrace.com/.