The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) is returning to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park on Friday.Â
Held annually in Reno, since 1982, the event has grown from just 20 balloons to upwards of 100!
Here's a look at this year's schedule:
Friday, September 6, 2024
3:30 a.m. Gates Open
4:30 a.m.—11 a.m. Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
5 a.m.  Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink
5:30 a.m. Dawn Patrol, presented by Custom Ink
6:45 a.m. National Anthem – Alana Ridge
6:45 a.m. Women of Aviation Mass Ascension
7 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch
8 a.m. Tethering Activities
9:30 a.m. E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Paint the Park Pink
Spectators encouraged to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness efforts
3:30 a.m. Gates Open
4:30 a.m.—11 a.m. Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
5 a.m. Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink
5:30 a.m. Dawn Patrol, presented by Custom Ink
6:45 a.m. National Anthem – Nick Sorrentino\
6:45 a.m. Women of Aviation Mass Ascension
7 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch
8 a.m. Tethering Activities
Sunday, Sept. 8
3:30 a.m. Gates Open
4:30 a.m.—11 a.m. Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
5 a.m. Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m. Dawn Patrol, presented by Swizzle
6:45 a.m. – National Anthem – Jessica Pauletto
6:45 a.m. Women of Aviation Mass Ascension
7 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch
8 a.m. Tethering Activities
General Public Parking at Rancho San Rafael
Gates open at 3:30 a.m. For a $25 cash donation to the event (cash only), attendees can park on their choice of two lots located on the corner of Sierra Street and McCarran Blvd., as well as on Coleman Street. These lots are a short walking distance away from the field.
Parking at the University of Nevada, Reno
Individuals able to walk moderate distances can park for free at the University’s lots in the Green and Blue 1 lots on the northwest side of Mackay Stadium. Cars must be removed by 11 a.m. (Subject to be earlier on Saturday in advance of the University's afternoon football game.)
RTC - Don't Drive, Arrive!
RTC will be adding extra service to the RAPID Virginia Line on September 6, 7 and 8 from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. and extending the route to Rancho San Rafael Park. Passengers who board at stops along the RAPID Virginia Line route may ride for FREE with service every 15 minutes to the park. Buses are accessible to people with disabilities. To plan your trip, visit rtcwashoe.com.
