Loving Reno: Discover the Magic of the 44th Annual Great Reno Balloon Race, 2025. Must See. FREE EVENT

Great Reno Balloon Race

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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

***CHECK OUT this rad GIVEAWAY***

for a Sunday balloon ride for two

2 tickets to Cloud 9 VIP tent

2 VIP parking passes

Hosted by Squeeze In

Closes 8/28/25

For generations, hot air balloons have captured imaginations, and in Reno, they take center stage every September at the Great Reno Balloon Race that occurs over a highly anticipated span of four days (Thursday media day open to the public).

The Great Reno Balloon Race is undeniably one of Reno's most beloved annual events, attracting over 150,000 visitors from around the country. Many locals (myself included) make it a yearly tradition, no matter how big the crowds get. While the size of the event might feel overwhelming at first, a little preparation goes a long way, helping you fully enjoy the magic of watching hundreds of balloons lift into the morning sky.

Families have been coming to this event since its earliest days, carrying with them countless stories of priceless family traditions, challenges turned to triumph, unexpected encounters, and memories that keep the magic alive. And then there are the pilots, who fly with such pride and passion. You can see it in the way they light up when a balloon lifts off, in the smiles they bring to the crowd, and in the joy they clearly feel sharing this experience with all of us. That combination of community, tradition, and heart is truly the perfect recipe for creating memories that last a lifetime.

As you watch these colorful giants take flight, remember the journey it took to get here... the dreams, the risks, and the determination to go beyond the horizon.

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 & enthusiastic MCs to complement and uplift the mood/atmosphere.

A whimsical Balloon Boulevard filled with vendors, keepsakes, & activities .

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.

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.

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 work in harmony to prepare for takeoff, but please remember to be courteous and avoid direct contact with the balloons. The action moves quickly!

From a young age, I sensed there was something special about life. I’d often stare at endless roads during road trips, wondering how they were built and who dreamed them into existence. I’d spend hours mesmerized by sunsets and wonder how airplanes could sore through the sky & defy gravity.

These moments of wonder sparked a deeper appreciation for the incredible things humans have achieved. Behind every road, every bridge, and every balloon, there were people who dared to dream big, people who refused to accept the limits of what seemed possible.

Whether up close or from afar, hot air balloon 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. After all of these years of enjoying them, their magic remains as strong as ever.

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 when you make it out!

This pilot welcomed so many kids into her basket and even let them help trigger the fire. It was an experience I still remember vividly to this day. I’m so grateful to her for sharing that wonder and creating such unforgettable memories for the kids. Little Luna in 2017. Boy does time fly by so fast.

If you're interested in paying for & securing a magical ride during the races, check out Balloon Nevada's opportunity (limited).

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***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 Museum lot. Pull up to the event and workers will guide you to the the appropriate spaces. These spaces run out fast.

VIP Parking (Tickets) (SOLD OUT for 2025)

Friday $45 + $2.34 fee

Saturday $50 + $2.49 fee

Sunday $50 + $2.49 fee

Free Rides of RTC RAPID South Virginia Line (with extension of route to Rancho San Rafael) Sept. 5-7, 4-10pm. FREE, with service every 15 minutes. SCHEDULE

UNR Parking

If you don’t mind walking a few blocks (or hop on the RTC bus for FREE at the Lawlor Station on N Virginia St.), 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 the same can be said for excitement.

CLOUD 9 VIP CLUB (Tickets):

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday (SOLD OUT)

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.

***Note: Arrive to the balloons well in advance check in with a crew member about where to line up. Rides are limited and depend on timing.

Renown Children’s Hospital will be providing free tethered rides for the public on the Reach for the Stars balloon!

Photo Source

Custom Ink will be providing free tethered rides for the public on Montie the Black Sheep!

Photo Source

In partnership with the Great Reno Balloon Race, Emily Eckerman will be providing rides in her balloon, Raven.

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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. Check out RGBR's parking guide for more details.
Kid Zone: Every year, they mix up the entertainment for kids with fun activities like bungee jumps (usually $12/5 minutes), face paint ($), 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.
Merchandise: Balloon souvenir vendors will be on site, offering a range of keepsakes to commemorate your experience. Discover fresh new designs each year. Shop hoodies, t-shirts, kid's shirts, beanies, hats, posters, pins, and much more. All reasonably priced. If you're hoping to snag some clothes, make sure to visit earlier in the week (Thursday is the earliest) as popular sizes and styles tend to sell out fast.
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. If you’re planning on attending with kids, it's helpful to pack some food, drinks, and snacks to help keep them happy. Food vendors available. Most take cards, but cash is always king, & some may experience problems with their systems. ATMs are always available on site. Expect lines.

Event Highlights: Mass ascension is undoubtedly magical, with over 80-100+ balloons taking to the skies in a breathtaking display, but don’t sleep on the glow show at 5 a.m. and dawn patrol at 5:30 a.m. These are my favorite parts of the event.
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. Dirt paths leading to main lawn area available.

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.

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.

2025 Photo Contest presented by Reno Tahoe and GRBR

ENTER

GRBR 2025 Photo Contest!

Snap your favorite moment from the Great Reno Balloon Race 2025 for a chance to win a hot air balloon ride for 2 at the 2026 event!

Submission Period: Sept 4–14, 2025
Enter via Instagram or our online link (link opens Sept 4).

After submissions close, the top photos will become finalists, and YOU get to vote for your favorite!