The Great Reno Balloon Race, held at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, has announced new and returning features for its 44th annual upcoming event in celebration of National Hot Air Balloon Day today.
Mark your calendars! An estimated 100 hot air balloons are expected to participate in this year's event, which will have a full schedule of events every morning from Friday, September 5, through Sunday, September 7.
New to the lineup are remote-controlled hot air balloons, which are scaled-down versions of traditional balloons that can rise and descend using radio control.
These RC balloons will fly on Thursday following the media day’s Mass Ascension and will appear again Friday through Sunday between Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension.
Also expanding is the nonprofit’s Tissue Paper Balloon Launch, which introduces fifth-grade students in the Washoe County School District to the STEM concepts behind hot air balloon flight. The program, previously a one-day event, will take place over two days in 2025, with launches at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Volunteers from Tesla, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Safe Routes, and United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra will help manage students on the field and facilitate the launches on Friday.
Teachers who want to involve their students can learn more and register for a June 12 workshop by visiting renoballoon.com.
The tradition of Great Reno Balloon Race friendship bracelets will return with support from One Nevada Credit Union. Bracelets will be distributed on the field during the festival and at select events beforehand.
Special-shaped balloons returning this year include Darth Vader, Mango the Seahorse, Peanut the Flying Elephant, and Mario the Race Car, which will offer tethered rides courtesy of The Children’s Cabinet.
“While we may not add something new every year, we’re always looking for ways to spark joy and keep the experience meaningful,” said Pete Copeland, executive director of the Great Reno Balloon Race. “What never changes is the magic of seeing those balloons lift into the sky at sunrise. In a world where our attention is constantly pulled in every direction, that shared moment of wonder brings people together, and it’s our responsibility to protect that feeling and keep it alive.”
To remind everyone, the public is welcome to come to Media Day on Thursday, September 4, to see the balloons before the major event.
On a first-come, first-served basis, complimentary VIP parking will be offered, and a small number of merchants will be present to provide a variety of food and beverages for spectators.
Organizers say The Great Reno Balloon Race typically draws around 150,000 attendees from across the region and the world.
Each morning begins with the Super Glow Show, followed by Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension. Balloon pilots, selected through a competitive process, also participate in flight competitions throughout the weekend.
According to a study conducted with the University of Nevada, Reno, nearly 40% of attendees come from outside the area, generating significant revenue for our local economy.
Many cite the balloon race as the main reason for visiting Reno, often pairing the trip with stops at nearby destinations like Lake Tahoe and Virginia City.
For more details and updates, you can visit renoballoon.com.
