# Up Up and Away at the Great Reno Balloon Races *By James Hills — Updated June 2024* There aren't many things that could convince me to wake up at 3 a.m. but I think I found one and that's the Great Reno Balloon Race. This year, the event featured nearly 100 balloons ranging from simple round ones to ornate ones shaped like stagecoaches, sea horses and even Darth Vader's mask. The event is the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world and it is held every September in Reno, Nevada. While you can certainly show up after dawn but you're going to miss the best part - the Balloon Glow. It is an almost spiritual experience that hopefully I can convey the awesomeness of with these photos and the video below, but it is almost spiritual. Imagine being in a giant open field as these giant balloons are unrolled then inflated. It's as if you are standing next to a 5-7 story building that is erected in just a matter of minutes. Truly this is an extraordinary experience that you really have to visit in person to fully appreciate. ### Golf, Rum, and Fishing on an Ultimate Caribbean Mancation Cruise Golf, Rum, and Fishing are all waiting you on an awesome Caribbean cruise to the Eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua, St. Maarten, Barbados, and Saint Lucia. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qao21pWCNKhKxVnN4kP9yA.1466) ### Why Men Should Pick A Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Resort For A Caribbean Guys Trip Reasons men should consider an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic for their next guys trip. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qao21pWCNKhKxVnN4kP9yA.2157) ### 4 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia with Cave Hotel + Optional Balloon A 4-day Istanbul and Cappadocia tour with cave hotel stay, ideal for travelers wanting UNESCO sites and fairy chimneys. Viator (affiliate) [Book on Viator](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qao21pWCNKhKxVnN4kP9yA.1635) ### 10 Day Explore Sri Lanka A 10 day Sri Lanka tour offering a unique, tradition and culture focused experience suited to travelers seeking a remarkable holiday. Viator (affiliate) [Book on Viator](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qao21pWCNKhKxVnN4kP9yA.1806) Promoted by FlowAds   The one thing that I felt was a bit confusing was that this is not a "race" in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a points based competition where the balloon pilots compete to reach a target and then drop their bean bag as close to the center of the X as possible.  Image From 2015 Great Reno Balloon Race Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 19 June 2024 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Exploring Unspoiled Beauty and Natural Adventures in Logan Utah Jul 07, 2016 [Exploring Unspoiled Beauty and Natural Adventures in Logan Utah](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/exploring-unspoiled-beauty-and-natural-adventures-in-logan-utah.html) #### I Spent 24 Hours In Kansas City And I Can't Wait to Go Back Nov 04, 2019 [I Spent 24 Hours In Kansas City And I Can't Wait to Go Back](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/kansas-city-guys-weekend.html) #### Chicago: More Than The "Second City" When It Comes To Being A Guys Trip Destination Jun 01, 2026 [Chicago: More Than The "Second City" When It Comes To Being A Guys Trip Destination](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/chicago-travel-guide-ideas.html) ### Related Articles #### Vegas Isn't the Best Gambling Trip Anymore - But It's Still the Easy Default [Vegas Isn't the Best Gambling Trip Anymore - But It's Still the Easy Default](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/vegas-easy-default-guys-gambling-trip.html) #### The Vegas Safety Talk Nobody Gives You Before a Guys Trip To Sin City [The Vegas Safety Talk Nobody Gives You Before a Guys Trip To Sin City](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/vegas-guys-trip-safety-tips.html) #### How to Work a Vegas Casino Floor on a Guys Weekend [How to Work a Vegas Casino Floor on a Guys Weekend](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/how-to-work-a-vegas-casino-floor-guys-weekend.html) #### High-Stakes Bachelor Parties: Where to Celebrate for Guys Who Love To Gamble [High-Stakes Bachelor Parties: Where to Celebrate for Guys Who Love To Gamble](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/high-stakes-bachelor-party-ideas.html) #### Frey Ranch Bourbon From Nevada Brings A Western Backdrop To Classic American Whiskey [Frey Ranch Bourbon From Nevada Brings A Western Backdrop To Classic American Whiskey](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/frey-ranch-bourbon-from-nevada-brings-a-western-backdrop-to-classic-american-whiskey.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Up Up and Away at the Great Reno Balloon Races](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/up-up-and-away-at-the-great-reno-balloon-races.html)* **Tags:** Nevada Guys Trip Ideas, Travel Ideas