The Great Reno Balloon Race takes place annually at Rancho San Rafael Park, located 1.5 miles north of downtown Reno. The event features mass ascensions, Glow Shows, and Dawn Patrol flights.
Weather at Reno
Wind Advisory in effect — Wind Advisory issued September 12 at 1:47AM PDT until September 13 at 2:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
- Tonight
- Mostly Clear
- Temperature
- 52°F
- Wind
- 5 to 20 mph
- Zone
- NVZ003
Event Schedule and Activities
Events typically begin before sunrise. The Glow Show, and the Super Glow Show on Friday, occur before the sun rises. Following the Glow Show, the Dawn Patrol features balloons qualified for night flight rising into the predawn sky. The Mass Ascension follows at sunrise, involving nearly 100 balloons launching over the Virginia Range.
Balloon Boulevard offers food, drinks, and merchandise, including collectible posters. Children’s activities are located in a designated section of the park, and some balloons offer tethered rides for a small donation.
Transportation and Parking
Parking at Rancho San Rafael Park is limited and fills quickly. If you drive, consider checking Reno city cameras for traffic updates before you depart.
- Paid Parking: Two lots at the park open at 3:30 a.m. One is at the corner of Sierra Street and McCarran, and the other is the Coleman Street lot. Parking costs a $25 cash-only donation.
- Free Parking: The University of Nevada, Reno offers free parking in their Green and Blue 1 lots, but vehicles must vacate the area by 11 a.m.
- Public Transit: The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County provides free transit service to the event. The RAPID Virginia Line offers service to Rancho San Rafael Park from 4 a.m. until 10 a.m. during the event dates. ACCESS passengers also receive free service to and from the event during these same hours.
Cameras in the Reno area for monitoring traffic near the park.
Visitor Tips
- Arrival: Street parking in the areas surrounding the park is restricted. Arrive early if you plan to drive.
- Walking: If you stay in downtown Reno, walking to the park is possible, but the route is uphill.
- Preparation: Mornings are cold. Bring warm clothing and consider bringing your own food and beverages, though vendors are available on-site.
- Safety: If driving to the area from outside of Reno, check I-80 road conditions or US-395 road conditions to ensure your route is clear.
Important Considerations
The Great Reno Balloon Race is a public event where photography and filming occur. By entering the event location, you consent to being recorded and grant the organization rights to use your image for marketing and promotional purposes.
If you are traveling from the Tahoe area, monitor conditions on SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions to plan your drive accordingly. Always verify current status with official sources before departure, as road conditions can change.