THE GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE
RANCHO SAN RAFAEL PARK
SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 -SEPTEMBER 13, 2015
5:00 AM – 10:00 AM
It’s the World’s Largest FREE hot-air ballooning event and worth the wake!
The 34th annual Great Reno Balloon Race attracts nearly 100 balloons with up to 20 special shapes and is one of Reno’s most colorful and spectacular events. Sure, it might be a bit earlier than you’re used to waking up, but you won’t regret it for moment!
Activities include a Glow Show and Dawn Patrol which are an amazing pre-dawn spectacle as balloons twinkle against the dark sky. In the incredible mass ascension, the skies fill with colorful balloons. Special-shaped balloons are always a spectator favorite and some will be making their first appearance at the festival this year. On Friday, is the SUPER-GLOW show featuring glowing balloons choreographed to music. Balloon Boulevard will feature a variety of food, crafts, art and souvenirs and is expected to double in size of vendors!
The Balloon Race has won many awards over the years including ‘Best Special Event in Reno’and ‘Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.’
Location
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra Street (just 1.5 miles north of downtown Reno)
Balloons
Specialty balloon shapes scheduled to make an appearance this year will be announced later in the Summer. After the announcement, a complete list and photos of all of the colorful balloons can be found by clicking here.
Schedule of Events (tentative for 2015)
Thursday, September 10
6:45am –Preview Day Launch (Sponsors and invited Media)
Friday, September 11
5:15am — Super Glow Show (featuring 25-30 balloons)
6:45am–Mass Ascension Launch
9:30am– E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
4:30am-10am — Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
Saturday, September 12
5:00am — Glow Show (featuring 12-15 balloons)
5:30am — Dawn Patrol
6:45am — Mass Ascension Launch
5:00am-10am — Pajama Party
8:00am-8:30am — Bed-Head Competition Judging
4:30am-10am — Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
Sunday, September 13
5:00am — Glow Show (featuring 12-15 balloons)
5:30am — Dawn Patrol
6:45am — Mass Ascension Launch
4:30am-10am — Shopping along Balloon Boulevard
Parking and Transportation
For detailed information on where to park in or around Rancho San Rafael Park, click here.
Handicapped Parking: Handicapped parking is available for vehicles with a handicap placard or license plate; enter at any gate to the Park and you will be directed.
Foot Power: Rancho San Rafael Park is just 1.5 miles north of downtown Reno. If you’re staying, or parking, in downtown Reno, it’s great exercise if you wanted to walk (note: it is uphill going to the park).
Paid Parking: There will be paid public parking available at Rancho San Rafael, managed by Reno South Rotary, for a $10 donation to the event. The lots are located on the corner of Sierra Street and McCarran Blvd. as well as on Coleman Street. These lots are a short walking distance from the field but are popular so may fill up quickly.
In-the-gate VIP Parking passes: Will be available but sell out quickly.
Public Transportation on Citifare: RTC will offer convenient express public transportation service every 30 minutes to Rancho San Rafael for a nomimal fee. The 2015 schedule has not been announced, but details and pick-up points can be accessed by clicking here.
