By Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette Journal
The Great Reno Balloon Race has been supersized this year.
The 45th Great Reno Balloon Race is set for this Thursday through Sunday, adding a fourth day for the first time in the event’s history. While hot-air balloons will be visible on the horizon throughout most of the Truckee Meadows, the best views are from up close at Rancho San Rafael Park, which draws thousands of spectators every year.
Planning to go? Set your alarms early. Here’s what you need to know.
Great Reno Balloon Race 2026 schedule
The top must-see events each day are the Glow Shows, in which balloons tethered to the ground light up in sequence; Dawn Patrol, during which a small number of balloons ascend before sunrise; and the Mass Ascension, when all balloons take to the skies after sunrise. Here’s the complete schedule.
Thursday, Sept. 10
- 3:30 a.m.: Gates open
- 5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
- 5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
- 6:45 a.m.: National Anthem, performed by Joss Higgins
- 7 a.m.: Mass ascension launch
- 8 a.m.: Tethering activities
- 9:30 a.m.: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Friday, Sept. 11
- 3:30 a.m.: Gates open
- 5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
- 5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
- 6:45 a.m.: National Anthem, performed by Nick Sorrentino
- 7 a.m.: Mass ascension launch
- 8 a.m.: Tethering activities
- 9:30 a.m.: E.L. Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch
Saturday, Sept. 12
Paint the Park Pink: Wear your best pink!
- 3:30 a.m.: Gates open
- 5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
- 5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
- 6:45 a.m.: National Anthem, performed by Alana Ridge
- 7 a.m.: Mass ascension launch
- 8 a.m.: Tethering activities
Sunday, Sept. 13
- 3:30 a.m.: Gates open
- 5 a.m.: Super Glow Show
- 5:30 a.m.: Dawn Patrol
- 6:45 a.m.: National Anthem, performed by Jessica Pauletto
- 7 a.m.: Mass ascension launch
- 8 a.m.: Tethering activities
Where to park for the Great Reno Balloon Race
The event itself is free, but the limited parking spots near Rancho San Rafael cost $10 each on Thursday and $25 each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday—cash only. The lot entrances are on Sierra Street just south of McCarran Boulevard, and on Coleman Drive; RVs, buses and other oversized vehicles will not be allowed to park at the site.
Once you park, expect a bit of a walk over rolling hills to get to the field.
Need handicapped parking? Those with handicapped placards or license plates can enter the park at any entrance. Event organizers note that the handful of handicapped spots typically fill up by 4 a.m. each day.
Drivers also can park for free in the Green and Blue 1 lots on the northwest side of the University of Nevada campus, but cars will be ticketed if not removed by 11 a.m.
Free transit to the Great Reno Balloon Race
RTC Washoe is providing free transit service on the RAPID Virginia Line between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. each day of the event, with buses running every 15 minutes. Ample parking is available at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. To plan your trip, visit rtcwashoe.com or download the Transit app.
What balloons will be at the Great Reno Balloon Race in 2026?
This year’s special shape lineup:
- Eva and Ivo
- Humpty Dumpty
- Joelly the bee
- LuLu the Leopard
- Montie the Black Sheep
- Party!
- Smokey Bear
- Sushi the fish
- Tasmanian Devil
- Wicked
Another 60 balloons are set to participate this year, including the patriotic Freedom Flight V balloon and the Nevada flag balloon, Battle Born.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
