TrekUnity
When
September
Attendance
~130,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Each September, Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno hosts the Great Reno Balloon Race — the largest free hot-air balloon event in the world, with a hundred-plus balloons launching over three early mornings against the Sierra Nevada backdrop.
The signature moments are the pre-dawn "Glow Show" and "Dawn Patrol," when illuminated balloons light up the dark before the mass ascension at sunrise. It's free, family-friendly, and an easy add-on to a Reno–Tahoe getaway.
Want to go? Turn Great Reno Balloon Race into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Second weekend of September (3 mornings)
Admission
Free to attend
Parking
Free and paid lots plus a shuttle; arrive in the dark for Dawn Patrol and expect an early exit rush.
Nearest airport
Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) — ~15 min
Typical weather
Cool high-desert September mornings (40s °F) warming fast — layers and a warm drink for dawn.
Official website
Location
Reno, NV
Where to stay
Whitney Peak Hotel
Non-gaming downtown hotel with a climbing wall.
Renaissance Reno Downtown
Modern rooms on the river.
Peppermill Resort
Big resort south of downtown.
Where to eat & drink
Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs
Beloved breakfast after Dawn Patrol.
Great Full Gardens
Healthy café in Midtown Reno.
Midtown District
Cluster of restaurants and bars.
Nearby attractions
Lake Tahoe
One of the world's clearest alpine lakes, ~45 min south.
Riverwalk District
Truckee River path through downtown Reno.
Virginia City
Historic silver-boom town in the hills.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Riverwalk
- •Fly into RNO
- •Afternoon: Riverwalk District
- •Early night — dawn start tomorrow
2Balloons + Tahoe
- •Pre-dawn: Glow Show + Dawn Patrol
- •Sunrise: mass ascension
- •Afternoon: drive to Lake Tahoe
3Second dawn + depart
- •Optional second morning of balloons
- •Brunch at Peg's
- •Head to RNO
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Get there in the dark for the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol — the best part.
- Pair it with a Lake Tahoe day for a full Reno–Tahoe weekend.
- Bring warm layers; high-desert dawns are cold.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Great Reno Balloon Race free?
Yes — it's the largest free hot-air balloon event in the world.
What time should you arrive?
Very early — the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol happen in the dark before the sunrise mass ascension.
What else is nearby?
Lake Tahoe is about 45 minutes away, making a great pairing for a longer trip.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Great Reno Balloon Race or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.