Great Reno Balloon Race
When:
September 5 - 7 (9/4 media day open to prospectors & VIP parking FREE)
See schedule below.
Location:
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N Sierra St. Reno, NV 89503
for a Sunday balloon ride for two
2 tickets to Cloud 9 VIP tent
2 VIP parking passes
Closes 8/28/25
For generations, hot air balloons have captured imaginations, and in Reno, they take center stage every September during the Great Reno Balloon Race. Watching these vibrant orbs drift gracefully across the sky over Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is beyond words.
Whether up close or from afar, their magic is felt the same. I can't tell you how strong the urge was to abruptly pull over and have an "it's a bird... it's a plane... moment" when I first witnessed these beauties from the freeway heading east on highway 80. Even as a creature of modern times, I can't help but marvel at how incredible this achievement is.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is undeniably one of Reno's most beloved annual events attracting over 150,000 visitors from around the country. A lot of locals will attend the event no matter its size (myself included) - a testament to its draw. This magical event is the pride and joy of our city, creating a memorable spectacle that fills the air with wonder and excitement, while also serving as a prime example of the undeniable strength of our community when it comes together for a common cause. Yes, it's a thing of beauty, no doubt, but what most people don't see or know is how much it benefits the community and its visitors - from inspiring the next generations of pilots & supporting non-profits, to strengthening community & building strong bonds & purpose.
Generations of families have enjoyed this event since its beginnings, and there's no denying the cumulation of untold stories that have followed - that of priceless family traditions, challenges of triumph, unexpected encounters, and so much more. They're often the memories that forever etch themselves in time effortlessly.
In 1982, its story started out with just 10 balloons, and today, you can expect to see around 100 balloons filling the sky with the most unbelievable landscape. It's epic experiences like this that make life so wholesome and give it such color and meaning. For the sake of simplicity: I do things that make me happy and feel things - I may not have all the answers to life, but I do know that happiness is a big indicator that you're doing something right. The Reno Great Balloon Race always makes me happy, and reminds me to just embrace the feels of life, for reasons necessary.
What makes the event special:
A night scene brimming with wonder, excitement, anticipation.
Smiles across the field, lighting up the night.
Magical Hot Air Balloon silhouettes against a vibrant mountainous backdrop.
Friendly pilots dedicated to putting smiles on your faces.
Music & an enthusiastic MC to complement and uplift the mood.
A whimsical Balloon Boulevard filled with the most charming keepsakes.
Warm cocoa to keep you cozy.
Delicious bites to top off the excitement.
The perfect opportunity for creating memories that last a lifetime.
Family-friendly activities to elevate the experience.
As the world's largest free ballooning event, held in The Biggest Little City, many attendees arrive while it’s still dark to witness the breathtaking Glow Show at 5 a.m. Here, a select few balloons light up the pre-dawn sky, sparkling in unison with music. Just 30 minutes later, these balloons launch into the sky as part of the Dawn Patrol. As the sun rises, families and friends gather in awe for the Mass Ascension, where all the balloons take flight, creating a spectacular display against Reno’s already impressive mountainous backdrop.
What makes this experience truly magical is the ability to walk right up to these majestic balloons and witness their splendor unfold before your eyes. I still vividly recall the awe I felt during my first visit to the event nine years ago. Watch as the skilled pilots and their dedicated crews of 25+ members work in harmony to prepare for takeoff, but please remember to be courteous and avoid direct contact with the balloons. The action moves quickly!
I’ve been taking my three kiddos to this event since they were babies, and my love for it just grows with each passing year. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most special events to exist, and we’re lucky to experience it right here in Reno - completely free. I mean, hot air balloons were the first successful form of human flight, defying gravity and all odds. How cool is that!?
As the balloons shine in the sky, I can't help but be inspired and reminded of all of the beauty and joy that comes from chasing our dreams and letting our spirits soar. I truly hope you have the most magical time if you make it out!
***Purchases for parking, VIP Cloud 9 Club, and from vendors all contribute to keeping this event free for everyone.
Parking (lots will open at 3:30am each day):
General Parking
$25 cash for a space inside the park.
These are very limited in quantity and fill up almost instantly.
Handicap Parking is usually located in the Wilbur May Musuem lot. Pull up to the event and workers will guide you to the the appropriate spaces.
Friday $45 + $2.34 fee
Saturday $50 + $2.49 fee (Saturday sold out as of 8/20)
Sunday $50 + $2.49 fee
UNR Parking
If you don’t mind walking a few blocks, you can park for free at the University’s lots in the Green and Blue 1 lots on the northwest side of Mackay Stadium. But remember that cars must be removed by 11 a.m. (Subject to changes if event falls on a Nevada football afternoon game).
Neighborhood Parking:
There are plenty of parking spaces in the nearby neighborhoods around the park. If you arrive a little later in the morning (say around 6-7am), but before Mass Ascension, you'll most likely run into traffic. If you see a line of cars heading a certain direction, go the other way and find parking elsewhere. Walking with all of the balloon obsessed people to the park is actually a lot of fun and makes any walk, no matter the distance, super fun and entertaining. Do you know how they say yawns are contagious? Well, I think I can say it's the same for excitement.
Friday, Saturday (SOLD OUT), & Sunday
- Heated indoor/patio outdoor seating on the field
- Phenomenal breakfast provided by Silver Legacy at THE ROW
- Hosted bar with champagne, bloody marys and mimosas provided by Squeeze In and J Resort Reno
- VIP Parking Pass with (optional) shuttle cart transportation from your car to the Cloud 9 VIP tent
*Cloud 9 tent will be open 4-9:30am. Food and beverage service will be from 4:30-8:30am each day of the event.
Free Tethered Rides
After Mass Ascension, there will be tethered balloon ride opportunities. This activity starts at approximately 8 a.m. Tethered rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Renown Children’s Hospital will be providing free tethered rides for the public on the Reach for the Stars balloon!
Custom Ink will be providing free tethered rides for the public on Montie the Black Sheep!
Thanks to the generous support of the Wilbur May Foundation, The Children’s Cabinet is able to provide tethered rides to disadvantaged children in Milton the Fish and Mario the Race Car. These rides are not available to the general public.
A Brief History on Hot Air Balloons
Reel of how hot air balloons got started. 1783: The Montgolfier brothers set the skies ablaze with wonder as they launched the very first hot air balloon in France!
1783: Parisian adventurers Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes became the first humans to float above the city in a magical airborne journey.
1794: Hot air balloons go to battle! The French Army uses them for the first-ever aerial reconnaissance during the Battle of Fleurus.
1804-1960s: The skies went a little quiet as interest shifted to other types of balloons, but hot air ballooning was far from forgotten.
1960: A new era dawns! Ed Yost reignites the ballooning spirit with the invention of the modern propane burner.
1963: The modern hot air balloon takes flight, with Ed Yost soaring over the plains of Nebraska, marking a new chapter in airborne adventure.
1978: The world’s most daring adventurers cross the Atlantic in the Double Eagle II, proving that hot air ballooning knows no bounds.
1999: The ultimate sky-high achievement! Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones circle the globe in a hot air balloon, making history in the clouds.
The Balloonist’s Prayer
The winds have welcomed you with softness.
The sun has blessed you with his warm hands.
You have flown so high and so well
that God joined you in laughter
and set you gently back into
the loving arms of Mother Earth.
Tips & Details
Parking is a breeze if you arrive early, between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m (inside parking - $25 cash, street parking - free). Waking up that early is an adventure in itself, especially when you’re with loved ones. The balloons and the whole atmosphere make it totally worth it. As they say, "The early bird catches the worm." But if early mornings aren’t your thing, no worries. You can still enjoy the event at a later time; just be prepared to park a bit farther away and walk. Mass ascension at 7 a.m. is absolutely magical, but don’t sleep on the glow show at 5 a.m. and the dawn patrol at 5:30 a.m. This is my favorite part of the show.
Kid Zone: Every year, they mix up the entertainment for kids with fun activities like bungee jumps, bounce houses, and crafts. They always do their best to make sure everyone is happy, so I have no doubt this year’s activities will be just as exciting. Last year, the National Automobile Museum brought in some classic cars for everyone to enjoy, including their Barbie & Ecto-1 Ghostbusters cars.
What to Bring: Mornings can be chilly. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Layers are key. Lots of people like to bring blankets, lawn chairs (please be considerate to not obstruct the view of those sitting on the ground), and hot drinks to stay cozy. Since I love photographing the event, I leave all of it behined, LOL. If you’re planning on attending with kids, it's helpful to pack some food, drinks, and snacks to keep them happy. Food will also be available for sale. Most vendors take cards, but cash is always king & some vendors may experience problems with their systems. ATMs are always available on site.
Event Highlights: Mass ascension is a must-see, with over 80 balloons taking to the skies in a breathtaking display. Balloon souvenir vendors will be on site, offering a range of keepsakes to commemorate your experience.
Getting Around: If you don’t feel like hunting for a parking space, consider using public transportation, Uber, a taxi, biking, or even walking to the event. Wagons and strollers are allowed, but you may find it hard to navigate the event with so many people in attendance. Check out RGBR's parking guide for more details.
Extras: The Reno Great Balloon Race takes place in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, one of our largest and most dynamic parks. You’ll find plenty of beautiful spaces to explore, including Wilbur D. Mar Museum (free admission during the event, Fr, Sa, Su: 7am-1pm), a serene pond, arboretum, multiple playgrounds, and much more. If you've been dreaming of riding a hot air balloon, you can pay to ride one in Lake Tahoe. I actually was so fortunate to ride in this balloon at Rancho Park on media day with pilot Sheldon, who's been flying balloons for about 35 years. Sheldon has been a participant of RGBR for years and often can be found flying at dawn patrol and the glow show. Check out his Lake Tahoe Balloon's website for more details.
Sustainability Commitment: Last year's Reno Great Balloon Race started with a greener than ever initiative, featuring solar-powered lights and clean, dependable energy to reduce its carbon footprint. They're proud to lead the way in event sustainability.
***Pets & drones are not allowed.
***No vaping & no lasers.
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| This year, the Reno Great Balloon Race will spotlight women in aviation. |
NEW!!!
RC Hot Air Balloons
New this year to the event is the incorporation of a remote-controlled (RC) balloon exhibition, Catch them between Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Finally, remember that balloon races may be canceled if winds exceed 10 mph, so be sure to check the weather before heading out. In the event of cancellation, no refunds will be given. The event relies on parking fees and such to help keep the event free and open to the public.
2024 Photo Contest presented by Reno Tahoe and GRBR
(standing by for more info on 2025 photo contest)
***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.
Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.
