Great Reno Balloon Race

View on map
Sports & AdventureReno
Dates10–13 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration4 daysListed event span
CrowdLargeAbout 100,000 people
Best forCompetition, enduranceOffering the event entirely free to
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Great Reno Balloon Race in Reno

The Great Reno Balloon Race is a free hot air ballooning event held each September at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, Nevada, described as the worlds largest free hot air ballooning event. Founded in 1982 with roughly 20 balloons, it has grown to feature up to around 100 balloons participating in mass ascensions over four days each early September.

The Great Reno Balloon Race began in 1982 with a modest field of roughly 20 hot air balloons launching from Rancho San Rafael Park, an open expanse of parkland that offered exactly the kind of unobstructed terrain hot air balloon pilots need for safe mass launches.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Offering the event entirely free to spectators, with no admission charge to watch mass ascensions involving up to around 100 balloons, is unusual for an event of this scale, most large balloon rallies of comparable size charge admission, and that free-access model has helped the Great Reno Balloon Race build one of the largest annual spectator crowds of any hot air ballooning event in the country

02

The mystery stays covered

Its growth from a modest 1982 debut with roughly 20 balloons to a field nearly five times that size reflects sustained community investment over more than four decades, and Rancho San Rafael Parks open terrain, combined with Renos favorable high-desert flying conditions, gives pilots reliable, predictable conditions that have helped the event maintain its scale and consistency year after year

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The events signature Dawn Patrol tradition

Water and renewal

Living ritual

in which a small group of balloons launches in the darkness before sunrise

The sacred route

Living ritual

their burners illuminating the balloons against the pre-dawn sky

The local code

Living ritual

has become one of the events most photographed and anticipated moments

Tradition 5

Living ritual

distinct from the larger mass ascension that follows once the sun is up

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Keeping the event free to attend has remained a consistent organizational choice since 1982

Tradition 7

Living ritual

reflecting a deliberate community-access priority that has shaped the events identity throughout its growth

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

10–13 September 2026

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Reno to work differently.

What to wear

Warm layers are important for early morning viewing: September mornings in Reno can be cool, even cold, at the pre-dawn Dawn Patrol segment, so a jacket, hat, and gloves are worth bringing...

Safety

For Great Reno Balloon Race, keep the basics simple: small bag, charged phone, meeting point and respect for crowd controls.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Reno, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map39.53 N, 119.81 WOpen in Google Maps

Reno, NV

Nearest airportRNO — Reno Tahoe
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Reno to work differently.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Reno, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Reno via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Reno, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearWarm layers are important for early morning viewing: September mornings in Reno can be cool, even cold, at the pre-dawn Dawn Patrol segment, so a jacket, hat, and gloves are worth bringing even though temperatures warm quickly once the sun rises.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Great Reno Balloon Race?

Great Reno Balloon Race is listed for 10–13 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Great Reno Balloon Race take place?

The festival is listed in Reno, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

4 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Reno, NV

How big is it?

Large: 100000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLrenoballoon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates10–13 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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