The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) returns to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park on Friday.

The event has been held annually in Reno since 1982 and has grown from just 20 balloons to over 100!

Below you will find the program for this year:

Friday September 6, 2024

03:30am Gates open

04:30-11:00 Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

05.00 am Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink

05:30 AM Morning Patrol, presented by Custom Ink

06:45 am National Anthem – Alana Ridge

06:45 Mass takeoff for women in aviation

07:00 AM Mass Ascension Day Launch

08:00 am Tethering Activities

9:30 AM EL Cord Foundation Tissue Paper Balloon Launch

Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Paint the park pink

Spectators are encouraged to wear pink in honor of breast cancer awareness efforts

03:30am Gates open

04:30-11:00 Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

05.00 am Super Glow Show, presented by Custom Ink

05:30 AM Morning Patrol, presented by Custom Ink

06:45 am National Anthem – Nick Sorrentino\

06:45 Mass takeoff for women in aviation

07:00 AM Mass Ascension Day Launch

08:00 am Tethering Activities

Sunday September 8th

03:30am Gates open

04:30-11:00 Shopping along Balloon Boulevard

05.00 am Super Glow Show

05:30 AM Morning Patrol, presented by Swizzle

06:45 am – National Anthem – Jessica Pauletto

06:45 Mass takeoff for women in aviation

07:00 AM Mass Ascension Day Launch

08:00 am Tethering Activities

General public parking at Rancho San Rafael

Gates open at 3:30am. For a $25 donation to the event (cash only)), Visitors can park in their choice of two lots at the corner of Sierra Street and McCarran Blvd., and on Coleman Street. These lots are a short walk from the field.

Parking at University of Nevada, Reno

Those able to walk moderate distances can park for free in the University car parks in the Green and Blue 1 car parks on the north-west side of Mackay Stadium. Cars must be removed by 11am (subject to earlier removal on Saturdays prior to the University’s afternoon match).

RTC – Don’t drive, come on!

RTC will add additional service to the RAPID Virginia Line on September 6, 7, and 8 from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., extending the route to Rancho San Rafael Park. Passengers boarding at stops along the RAPID Virginia Line route will be able to ride the 15-minute service to the park for FREE. Buses are handicap accessible. To plan your trip, visit rtcwashoe.com.