Schedule of Events
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.
The Great Reno Balloon Race 2025
September 5th – 7th
Tuesday, September 2
Pre-Event Flight, presented by Reno Tahoe
Wednesday, September 3
Pre-Event Flight, presented by Reno Tahoe
Thursday, September 4
Media Preview Day
6:00 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
6:45 a.m. – National Anthem
7:00 a.m. – Preview Day Mass Ascension Launch
Friday, September 5
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – National Anthem – Alana Ridge
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
8:00 a.m. – Tethering Activities
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 6
Paint The Park Pink – Wear Your Best Pink!
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – National Anthem – Nick Sorrentino
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
8:00 a.m. – Tethering Activities
4:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.- Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
Sunday, September 7
3:30 a.m. – Gates open to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
5:00 a.m. – Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – National Anthem
7:00 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch
8:00 a.m. – Tethering Activities
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
FILMING IN PROGRESS
Please be advised that The Great Reno Balloon Race is photographing, filming and/or recording at this location. By entering this location, you consent to being photographed and/or recorded and you grant The Great Reno Balloon Race and its marketing agencies/partners and licensees the right to use the photographs and recordings of your image and/or voice for marketing, promotional or publication purposes. You hereby release and discharge The Great Reno Balloon Race from any and all claims of copyright, libel, slander, violation of privacy or similar right you may have.
IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
Washoe County Emergency Management has established a map with critical information that is updated throughout the time of emergency. You will be able to find elements such as road closures, evacuation areas, evacuation routes, and a reunification center on the map. This map can be found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/46cb79ef933d4485b9966a9730e2d944/page/Perimeter/