The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot air ballooning event in the Nation. 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 more than 100 balloons each year. Taking place just a few miles north of downtown Reno, the event enchants both young and old with its vibrant colors and inspiring music. The Balloon Race has won many awards over the years including ‘Best Special Event in Reno’ and ‘Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.’ With an average of 150,000 spectators attending the event each year, the number of lives touched by the beautiful spectacle continues to rise just like the balloons themselves.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is FREE to spectators thanks to the generous support of event sponsors. It is always scheduled for the first Friday through Sunday after Labor Day.
2012 Great Reno Balloon Race September 7th – 9th
Thursday, September 6
6:45 a.m. – Media Day Launch (Sponsors and invited Media)
Friday, September 7
6:45 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch / Off-field Competitions
7:30 – 10:00 a.m. – On-field Competitions
9:30 a.m. – E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Saturday, September 8
5:00 a.m. – Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch / Off-field Competitions
7:30 – 10:00 a.m. – On-field Competitions
5:00 a.m.-10 a.m. – Pajama Party
8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. – Bed-Head Competition Judging
Sunday, September 9
5:00 a.m. – Glow Show
5:30 a.m. – Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. – Mass Ascension Launch / Off-field Competitions
7:30 – 10:00 a.m. – On-field Competitions
EVENT LOCATION
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra St., Reno, Nevada
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