The Great Reno Balloon Race (Sept. 8-10)

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event. During three days in early September, you can look up into the Reno skies and see a rainbow of hot air balloons soaring about. From its humble beginnings in 1982 with just 20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with up to 100 balloons each year.

The Great Reno Balloon Race is FREE to spectators thanks to the generous support of event sponsors. The event is always scheduled to take place the first Friday through Sunday after Labor Day.

The Great Reno Balloon Race 2023
September 8th – 10th

Friday, September 8
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink
5:30 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Dawn Patrol, presented by Custom Ink
6:45 a.m. – Reno Air Races T-6 Flyover
6:50 a.m. – National Anthem with Ashley Melendez
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
9:30 a.m. – E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
4:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m – Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

Saturday, September 9
Paint The Park Pink 
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink
5:30 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Dawn Patrol, presented by Custom Ink
6:50 a.m. National Anthem with Sierra High Notes
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
4:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.- Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

Sunday, September 10
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m – Super Glow Show, presented by Country Financial
5:30 a.m. – 40th Anniversary of Dawn Patrol, presented by Country Financial
6:50 a.m. – National Anthem with Nick Eng
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch, presented by Country Financial
4:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.- Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

EVENT LOCATION
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra St.
Reno, Nevada

Click here to view area map.