The Great Reno Balloon Race is back in town!

The Rancho San Rafael Regional Park will host the free event from September 5-7, featuring a daily Glow Show at 5 a.m.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office offers some tips to enjoy this year’s Great Reno Balloon Race:

* Arrive early, as there is limited parking at the event site. Park for free at the University’s north lots. Cars must be removed by 10 a.m. (varies if it is a game day). Parking also will be available at the corner of N. Sierra St. and McCarran Blvd. for a $25 cash donation to the event.

* Leave pets at home.

* Smoking and vaping are prohibited at the park during the event.

* Drone operation is prohibited on event grounds.

* Plan for the weather; dress in layers as early morning temperatures are chilly despite warm afternoon forecasts.

* Using lasers or flashing lights is prohibited during the event.

* Avoid leaving any valuable items in your vehicle. Instead, consider leaving them at home or taking them with you to help reduce the risk of theft and keep your belongings safe.

Here is a schedule of events:

Friday, September 5, 2025

6:45 a.m. National Anthem – Alana Ridge

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 6, 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

7 a.m. Mass Ascension Launch

8 a.m. Tethering Activities

Sunday, September 7, 2025

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

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. RV’s, buses and oversized vehicles are NOT allowed to park in Rancho San Rafael Park.  Parking on Evans Ave. is prohibited and requires a residential parking pass. You will be ticketed if you are found parked on McCarran Blvd. or Evans Ave. Sierra Street will be blocked off to anyone who does not have a handicap placard or parking pass on all three mornings of the event.

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 10 a.m. (note there is an afternoon game for Nevada Football on Saturday, September 6.) Parking is prohibited along McCarran Blvd. due to safety hazards and parking laws will be enforced.

RTC - Don't Drive, Arrive!

RTC will be adding extra service to the RAPID Virginia Line on September 5, 6 and 7 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.

(Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this report)Â