The Great Reno Hot Air Balloon Race
- solarastills
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to watch dozens of hot air balloons rise into the sky before the sun even shows up, the Great Reno Balloon Race is your answer. It’s not just a local event, it’s a tradition that’s been floating above Reno since 1982. Having lived in the Bay Area for most of my life now, it took me 32 years to witness this awesomeness, and check this off my to-do list. It is a wholesome family experience, and is especially captivating for wonder-struck kids and photo enthusiasts. If you are fascinated by this festival and want to experience it first hand, then read on!
A Little History About The Great Reno Hot Air Balloon Race
The race started with just 20 balloons back in 1982. Today, this FREE event draws over 150,000 people across three days. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of the largest free ballooning events in the world. Pilots come from all over, and some have been flying here since the beginning.
When It Happens
The event takes place every September, usually the first weekend after Labor Day. In 2025, it ran from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7. However, due to its growing popularity, starting in 2026, the event will run for 4 days, from Thursday, Sept 10 to Sunday, Sept 13, 2026.
Each day, the race kicks off with a Glow Show at 5 a.m., while it’s still pitch dark. Balloons stay grounded but light up in sync with music and cues from the announcer. It’s like watching giant lanterns pulse and glow across the field. If you’re bringing kids, this is the moment they’ll remember. The balloons don’t fly yet, but they just glow. Think of it as the warm-up before the real show begins.
This is followed by Dawn Patrol at 5:30 a,m. Right after the Glow Show, a select group of balloons take off in the dark. These pilots are specially certified to fly before sunrise. As they rise, the burners light up the inside of the balloons, creating glowing orbs drifting into the early morning sky. It’s not just beautiful - it’s rare. Most balloon festivals don’t offer pre-dawn flights. Reno’s Dawn Patrol is one of the few places you’ll see this.
Then finally, the main portion of the show, Mass Ascension, happens each morning of the festival, right after Dawn Patrol and the Glow Show. Around 7:00 a.m., pilots fire up their burners, inflate their balloons, and take off in waves. The sky fills with color, with over 100 balloons of classic shapes, special characters, and crowd favorites like Darth Vader and the Battle Born balloon.
It’s not a race in the traditional sense. Pilots navigate based on wind and skill, aiming for designated targets or just enjoying the ride. Some land nearby, others drift across Reno. It’s peaceful, slow, and surprisingly quiet once they’re airborne.
Where It Happens
The Great Reno Hot Air Balloon Race takes place at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, just north of downtown Reno, Nevada. This park turns into a launch field, viewing area, and festival zone every September when the balloons roll in. The park is easy to access from downtown Reno and the University of Nevada campus.
Where to Stay
If you’re coming from out of town, Reno has plenty of options. AirBnBs near Rancho San Rafael Regional Park get booked months in advance. Circus Circus in downtown Reno is the closest hotel to the park, and is an easy 1.25 mile walk to the event. Book early, as
rooms fill up fast during balloon weekend.
How to Attend
How many Days
Attending just one of the three mornings is enough. We chose Saturday, which is the most crowded of the three. However, photography enthusiasts might want to consider attending for two days. On the first day, they can capture shots from a low angle on the field, and on the second day, they can hike up to nearby hills to take a panoramic shot of the Mass Ascension.
Parking and Shuttles
The event is free to attend, although parking close to the park is $25 and only cash is accepted. Alternatively, you can park for free at the University of Nevada lots, but you must relocate your car by 11 a.m. to prevent getting a ticket. RTC Washoe provides complimentary bus rides from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, stopping directly in front of Circus Circus, to the park from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Walk, Baby, Walk!
I strongly advise against using any of the options mentioned above. By 3:30 a.m., all roads to the park are clogged with private cars, Lyfts, Ubers, taxis and public buses, making it nearly impossible to arrive on time for the Glow Show at 5 a.m. We had reserved a room at Circus Circus with the plan to walk the 1.25 miles each way. And we were thrilled with our choice! The traffic was chaotic in those early morning hours, and we reached the park more quickly than the shuttle buses stuck in the traffic jam.
Keep in mind that by 4:30 am, the field or park becomes crowded, leaving little room for your blanket or lawn chair. Therefore, aim to arrive as early as possible!
What to Bring
Dress in layers, as it gets chilly before sunrise. Bringing a blanket, chair, and snacks is also a good idea. Numerous food stalls are available, though they have long lines and pricey options (imagine $4 for a diluted hot chocolate). It's recommended to bring your own food, especially if you're attending with children.For photography enthusiasts, bring a DSLR camera with a wide angle zoom lens.
Balloon Rides
During the event, numerous balloon rides are available at a significant cost of $475 per person. If you've never experienced a hot air balloon ride, I strongly recommend trying it elsewhere at half the price. Additionally, free tethered rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but these are only available for families with children.
Whether you’re there for the colors or for the quiet thrill of flight, the Great Reno Balloon Race delivers. Because watching the sky fill with floating giants while the world is still quiet? That’s not just a bucket list moment, it’s a “did-that-really-happen?” kind of morning.
And hey, if you end up with balloon-shaped dreams and a phone full of sunrise selfies, you did it right.