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 Friday through Sunday after Labor Day.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Media Preview Day
6:00 am: Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
6:45 am: National Anthem - Eris Oberg
7:00 am: Preview Day Mass Ascension Launch

Friday, September 5, 2025

3:30 am: Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 am: Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink
5:30 am: Dawn Patrol, presented by Custom Ink
6:45 am: National Anthem - Alana Ridge
7:00 am: Mass Ascension Launch
8:00 am: Tethering Activities
9:30 am: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
4:30 am - 11:00 am: Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Paint The Park Pink - Wear Your Best Pink!
3:30 am: Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 am: Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink
5:30 am: Dawn Patrol, presented by Custom Ink
6:45 am: National Anthem - Nick Sorrentino
7:00 am: Mass Ascension Launch
8:00 am: Tethering Activities
4:30 am - 11:00 am: Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

Sunday, September 7, 2025

3:30 am: Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 am: Super Glow Show
5:30 am: Dawn Patrol, presented by Swizzle
6:45 am: National Anthem - Jessica Pauletto
7:00 am: Mass Ascension Launch
8:00 am: Tethering Activities
4:30 am - 11:00 am: Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

Date:
September 5 - 7, 2025

Location:
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park,
1595 N Sierra St, 
Reno, NV 89503

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