The Great Reno Balloon Race is America's largest free hot air balloon event. Each morning, around 100 hot air balloons rise in mass ascension from Rancho San Rafael Park, filling the dawn sky with blobs of color and flashes of light from the propane burners. This is a very family friendly event and it's free. The 2011 Great Reno Balloon Race is the event's 30th anniversary and will be held from Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11.
What You'll See at the Great Reno Balloon Race
Numerous specialty balloons in a variety of shapes (such as Smokey Bear, the Wells Fargo Stagecoach, the Little Bees, the Energizer Bunny, and, for the first time in 2011, Darth Vader) punctuate the dozens of traditional hot air balloons, all floating lazily over northwest Reno. The Great Reno Balloon Race is a delight for photographers and spectators, but you have to get up before the sun for the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol. To get an idea of what you can see, go to my Great Reno Balloon Race pictures.
Events at the Great Reno Balloon Race
Hot air ballooning is an early morning sport. You have to get up before dawn to enjoy the most spectacular events like the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol. The mass ascension of over 100 hot air balloons takes place as the sun comes up over the Virginia Range, but even then it's pretty early. Balloon Boulevard of food, drink, and souvenir vendors operates during the morning activities, starting while it's still dark. Here is the schedule, but be sure to check the Great Reno Balloon Race official schedule for any last-minute changes...
Friday, Sept. 9
6:45 a.m. - Mass Ascension.
7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. - On-field competitions for hot air balloons and pilots.
9:30 a.m. - *E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch.
Saturday, Sept. 10
5 a.m. - Glow Show
5 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Pajama Party
5:30 a.m. - Dawn Patrol
6:45 a.m. - Mass Ascension / Off-field competitions for hot air balloons and pilots.
7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. - On-field competitions for hot air balloons and pilots.
8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. - Bed-Head competition judging
Sunday, Sept. 11
5 a.m. - Glow Show
5:30 a.m. - Dawn Patrol
6:30 a.m. - Northern Nevada Official 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
6:45 a.m. - Mass Ascension / Off-field competitions for hot air balloons and pilots.
7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. - On-field competitions for hot air balloons and pilots.
(*E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch - Around 2,000 elementary and middle school students will participate in the Tissue Paper Balloon Launch. This event is on Friday, Sept. 9, at 9:30 a.m. on the launch field at Rancho San Rafael Park.)
To really get into it, register on site for the World's Largest Pajama Party and the Bed-Head Competition, both at the Pajama Party Tent. These events start at 5 a.m. on Saturday, September 10. Having some fun will make it easier to beat the birds out of bed.
Spectating and Parking at the Great Reno Balloon Race
The thousands of people who arrive before dawn need to park. There is plenty of parking available, but you should read Spectator Information for the Great Reno Balloon Race to learn about the parking situation and what is expected of spectators in order to have fun and be safe at the event. You'll also learn about how to get to Rancho San Rafael Park without a car, thus avoiding the parking hassle all together.
Official Northern Nevada 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemoration
On Sunday, September 11, the Great Reno Balloon Race will be the site of northern Nevada's official 10th anniversary commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Starting at 6:30 a.m., Governor Brian Sandoval will address the crowd. Other dignitaries in attendance will be Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Sparks Mayor Geno Martini, and Washoe County Commissioner and Chairman John Breternitz. An honor guard of police and fire units from Reno and Sparks, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, will present the colors. The National Anthem will be sung by Mike Alger, meteorologist for KTVN News Channel 2. During the mass ascension following the ceremony, all balloons will carry an American flag in remembrance of the occasion.
Hot Air Ballooning and the Weather
Hot air balloon flying is dependent on the weather. If it's too windy or there are other adverse conditions, some activities may be curtailed or even grounded. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out. This being Reno, the weather can change dramatically in a short period of time.
Photography at the Great Reno Balloon Race
At Reno's most visually spectacular event, taking pictures is a must. With the action starting in the dark well before dawn and continuing into the morning hours, it can be challenging to adapt your photography to the widely varying conditions. Learn more about capturing pictures of this event - check out these photography tips from the Great Reno Balloon Race as well as the Introduction to Night Photography from About.com.
Learn More about the Great Reno Balloon Race
- Great Reno Balloon Race Website
- Spectator & Parking Information
- Photography Tips & Photo Contest
- Great Reno Balloon Race Brochure
- Hot Air Balloon Racing Competition
- Great Reno Balloon Race FAQ
- Balloon Race Office - (775) 826-1181
Free Admission to the Wilbur D. May Museum during the Great Reno Balloon Race
Balloon Race spectators can enjoy a free open house at the Wilbur D. May Museum as part of their visit to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The Museum will display balloon race posters from all 30 years of the event. Hours on September 9 and 10 will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. On September 11, hours will be 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More Hot Air Balloon Events
The Great Reno Balloon Race may be America's largest free hot air balloon event, but it is far from the only one. If you are interested in similar events around the country and around the world, here are some from which to choose...
