One of Northern Nevada’s most popular event also happens to be one of Tahoe’s best-kept secrets – the largest free hot-air balloon race takes place in our Sierra Nevada backyard! Just a 25- to 30-minute drive from Truckee the Great Reno Balloon Race takes place at Rancho Santa Fe Park in Reno, Nevada from September 7-9, 2018 and should top your list as a must-do/must-see while visiting the area in September!
A popular event among all age-ranges (especially the kiddos!) this four-day event features over 100 hot air balloons that fire up in the dark and take flight at dawn, just as the sun rises over the majestic Sierras. Bundle up with a hot cup of coffee, or stay in your pajamas for the World’s Largest Pajama Party, and join thousands of spectators for the Glow Show at 5AM – what a site to behold as 35+ balloons glow and twinkle to music in the fading night sky. Dawn Patrol kicks off the morning flight where you can enjoy watching the various themed balloons, from traditional rainbow checkered to Darth Vadar to cans of Pepsi Co., litter the sky above Reno. Check out a snippet of what it's like here.
Looking for more family fun at the Great Reno Balloon Race? Don’t miss the Tissue Paper Balloon Launch at 9:30AM on Friday, September 7! Over 2,000 students from the Washoe County School District will launch their tissue paper balloons in celebration of the event. To learn more how to make their balloons in preparation for Friday, click here.
Food, drink, crafts, and official commemorative posters are available at Balloon Boulevard all weekend long. To learn more, visit renoballoon.com.