A Whimsical Journey in the Sky: Discover the Magic of the 43rd Annual Reno Great Balloon Race, 2024. Must See. FREE EVENT

For many years, hot air balloons have captivated the minds and captured the hearts of thousands. There's something undeniably enchanting about watching these vibrant orbs drift gracefully across the sky, transforming the horizon into a canvas of color.

The Reno Great Balloon Race is one of Reno's most beloved annual events, attracting over 150,000 visitors from around the country. This magical event elevates the charm of ballooning to new heights, creating a memorable spectacle that fills the air with wonder and excitement.

Free Tethered Rides

Visit the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada's booth on Balloon Blvd. to receive a FREE voucher for a tethered ride. in SnoBird. (SOURCE)

Free Tethered rides in Tico the Sloth | Instagram | Rennervation | Reno Balloon | Reno Tahoe

Experience the Magic

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!

Have you seen this amazing giveaway by Reno Tahoe, including a free balloon ride, Cloud 9 heated tent w/ breakfast, tickets & a gift card to National Automobile Museum, accommodations at GSR, breakfast at Squeeze In, & a car rental, for two?  Biggest little giveaway package for sure. 

If you're interested in paying for a magical ride, check out Balloon Nevada's  opportunity.  These will definitely be limited. 

***Purchases for parking, VIP Cloud 9 Club, and from vendors all contribute to keeping this event free for everyone.

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Great Reno Balloon Race 

Website

Instagram

When:

September 6 - 8

Gates open at 3am

(Prospectors allowed on Thursday's media day)

Location:
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N Sierra St. 

Reno, NV 89503

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.

VIP Parking (Tickets) 

Friday $45 + $2.34 fee

Saturday $50 + $2.49 fee (SOLD OUT)

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. Walking to the event is a fun experience, especially when you're joined by many other excited attendees.

CLOUD 9 VIP CLUB (Tickets):

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

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A Brief History on Hot Air Balloons

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. 

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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 later; just be prepared to park a bit farther away and walk a little. The 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.—they’re just as enchanting.

• 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. A little birdie told me that the National Automobile Museum might bring in some cars to show, and a face painter is also in the works!

• What to Bring: Mornings can be chilly.  Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.  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 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 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.  

• 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, an 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.  This balloon has been a participant of RGBR for years.  Check out this website for more details.

• Sustainability Commitment: This year's Reno Great Balloon Race will be greener than ever, 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***

This year, the Reno Great Balloon Race will spotlight women in aviation.

Finally, remember that balloon races may be canceled if winds exceed 10 mph, so check the weather on AccuWeather before heading out.  In the event of undesirable weather and 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

Submit your favorite photo of GRBR 2024 for a chance to win a hot air balloon ride for 2! Submissions will be accepted from September 5-15, 2024. Submit via Instagram by using #RenoBalloon24 or by submitting online – link will open on September 5, 2024.

Categorized Under "Annual Events"