Great Reno Balloon Race

What: The Great Reno Balloon Race, the largest free hot air ballooning event in the U.S. 

When: September 6-8, 2024 - (always held the weekend after Labor Day)

Where: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, Nevada

Cost: Free to the Public

Other Attractions: Food, crafts, art and souvenirs, balloon rides, a T-6 formation flyover during the National Anthem, and music. Also, there will be a Pajama Party, Girl Scouts Scavenger Hunt, and Bed Head Competition, as well as an Amateur Photo Contest!

This was exciting to see! After the Glow Show, the three balloons pictured above, launched together and then lined up in a row for the Flyover of Jets in formation. Each balloon had the American Flag hanging down from it's basket!

The Great Reno Balloon Race Mission

The Great Reno Balloon Race is a non-profit organization, and the largest free hot air ballooning event in the Nation.

From its humble beginnings in 1982 with just 20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with more than 100 balloons each year. Taking place just a few miles north of downtown Reno, the event enchants both young and old with its vibrant colors and inspiring music.

Their Mission is: The mission of the Great Reno Balloon Race is to provide a premier, safe, family-oriented/tourist-attractive, visually dramatic event that celebrates the joy of flight while remaining free to the public.

Source: The Great Reno Balloon Race - Facebook Page

Video of the Great Reno Balloon Race from 2018

The Glow Show and Dawn Patrol

It is awfully early in the morning, but if you can get up in the morning, the Super Glow Show which is typically at 5:00am and the Dawn Patrol right after that are spectacular! Both of these events happen while it is still dark, and several of the balloons take off while lit up and fly around over head while the sun rises.

 Great Reno Balloon Race Schedule

You can check out the Reno Balloon Race Schedule on their website Schedule of Events page!

Darth Vader Balloon

The Darth Vader Balloon is always one of the most popular balloons! It was absolutely huge! This is a picture that I took in 2011 as it was launching. 

Balloon Rides

Each year, after Mass Ascension, the RE/MAX balloon provides tethered rides for children. These rides are available to the general public for a $5.00 donation to the "Children's Miracle Network." There are typically several other balloons at the event that also give rides to the public.

The Great Reno Balloon Race 
Contact Information

Website: https://www.renoballoon.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/renoballoon

Twitter Page: @renoballoon

Instagram Page: @renoballoon


Awards: Number 1 Hot-Air Balloon Race in the U.S., Top 5 Reno Events, Best Special Event in Reno, Best Special Event in Northern Nevada

For some stunning pictures of Hot Air Ballooning over Lake Tahoe, see my Hot Air Ballooning Page!

Photo Credit: All Photo's on this page taken by Leigh Storz, Owner of the Truckee Travel Guide Website.

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