Reno's skies are about to become a little more colorful. The Great Reno Balloon Race returns this week, giving spectators four mornings to watch balloons fill the sky above Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
The 45th annual event runs Sept. 10-13 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, with the event adding a full morning of programming Thursday, according to organizers.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office will also have Deputies working throughout the event to help keep visitors safe, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in an online post.
Here's what to know before you go:
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Sept. 10
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
9:30 a.m.: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Friday, Sept. 11
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
9:30 a.m.: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Saturday, Sept. 12
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol, presented by Swizzle
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
Paint the Park Pink: Spectators are encouraged to wear pink in recognition of breast cancer awareness efforts.
Sunday, Sept. 13
3:30 a.m.: Gates open
5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
7 a.m.: Mass Ascension and Pilot Competition
8 a.m.: Tethering activities
Parking
General public parking at Rancho San Rafael will be available beginning at 3:30 a.m. each day. The cash-only donation is $10 on Thursday, $20 on Friday, and $25 on Saturday and Sunday.
Free parking will also be available at the University of Nevada, Reno's Green and Blue 1 lots near Mackay Stadium. Vehicles must be removed by 11 a.m.
Spectators can also use RTC, which will add service to the RAPID Virginia Line from 4 to 10 a.m. Sept. 10-13. Buses will run to Rancho San Rafael every 15 minutes, and passengers boarding at stops along the RAPID Virginia Line can ride free.
Parking along McCarran Boulevard and Evans Avenue is prohibited, and RVs, buses, and oversized vehicles cannot park at Rancho San Rafael. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Safety reminders
The Sheriff's Office is reminding visitors to leave pets at home, as crowds, burners, and other noises can be stressful for animals. Smoking and vaping are prohibited at the event, and drones and lasers are not allowed.
Visitors should dress in layers for chilly mornings, stay clear of balloon crews and launch areas, and avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is free to attend. Full event information is available at renoballoon.com.
(The Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)
