Great Texas Balloon Race Announces 2026 Lineup, New Morning Event

Longview native Sunny Sweeney to headline Saturday concert, new mass ascension added to schedule.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:24pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in black, white, and red, conceptually representing the visual energy and spectacle of hot air balloons taking flight.The Great Texas Balloon Race's 2026 lineup promises a colorful celebration of music, community, and the thrill of hot air balloons soaring over Longview.Longview Today

The 49th annual Great Texas Balloon Race is returning to Longview in June 2026, featuring a lineup of country, blues-rock, and tribute band performances, as well as the addition of a new morning mass ascension event that will allow attendees to watch dozens of hot air balloons launch at once.

Why it matters

The Great Texas Balloon Race is a long-running annual event that draws thousands of visitors to Longview, providing an economic boost to the local community. The addition of new entertainment and event elements helps keep the festival fresh and appealing to both returning and new attendees.

The details

The Great Texas Balloon Race will take place June 12-14, 2026 at the Longview Convention Complex. The festival will feature evening concerts on June 12 and 13, with Longview native country star Sunny Sweeney headlining the Saturday show and Marshall-born blues-rock artist Wes Jeans topping the Friday lineup. Opening acts include the Louisiana tribute band L.A. Roxx and the country duo Roses & Weeds. In addition to the evening festival, the event will also include a new Saturday morning mass ascension, allowing attendees to watch all the competition hot air balloons launch together in one display.

  • The Great Texas Balloon Race will take place June 12-14, 2026.
  • Sunny Sweeney will headline the Saturday, June 13 concert.
  • Wes Jeans will headline the Friday, June 12 concert.
  • The new mass ascension event will take place around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13.

The players

Sunny Sweeney

A country music performer from Longview who has had several hit songs and critically acclaimed albums over her nearly 20-year career.

Wes Jeans

A blues-rock guitarist and vocalist from the Marshall, Texas area who has been named East Texas Blues Artist of the Year multiple times.

L.A. Roxx

A Louisiana-based rock and roll tribute band that will open the Friday, June 12 concert.

Roses & Weeds

A country music duo based in Paris, Texas that will open the Saturday, June 13 concert.

Gai Bennett

The chair of this year's Great Texas Balloon Race event.

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What they’re saying

“We are proud to continue bringing high quality musical entertainment to Longview as part of the Great Texas Balloon Race. With a mixture of country, blues-rock, and a great stage band, this year's entertainment lineup is intended to appeal to a wide audience, and we look forward to showcasing these talented performers.”

— Gai Bennett, Chair, Great Texas Balloon Race

“The mass ascension will feature all balloons launching from one location, giving spectators a unique opportunity to watch the sky fill with color at once.”

— Gai Bennett, Chair, Great Texas Balloon Race

What’s next

Tickets for the Great Texas Balloon Race festival and the new Saturday morning mass ascension event are on sale now at GTBR.net.

The takeaway

The Great Texas Balloon Race continues to evolve and expand its entertainment offerings, drawing both longtime fans and new attendees to Longview each June with a mix of hot air balloons, live music, and unique experiences.