2011 Photo Contest Winner: Diane Disney

September 7-9 | Times Vary

When the nation’s largest balloon race says “dawn patrol is worth the wake” they really mean it. Arise with the birds, put on a pot of coffee, grab a comfy blanket and head out to the most beautiful sunrise event of your life.

With 150,000 other spectators, feast your eyes on balloons of all shapes and colors, and be prepared to be enchanted. It’s no surprise The Balloon Race has raked in numerous awards over the years, such as ‘Best Special Event in Reno’ and ‘Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.’ 

With three days of events, there are plenty of opportunities to be a kid again, and here’s our number one tip: do your best to attend the Glow Show. Yes, we know it’s early at 5:00 AM, but you won’t regret it!

And if you really want to go all-out, enter to win The Great Reno Balloon Race Amateur Photo Contest! Prizes to be announced soon.

Have you ever taken flight in a hot air balloon?

[Image]

Start of the men's pro race! Watch for yourself July 27 to 29!

July 27 to 29 | Times Vary | Reno, NV

Named the “coolest race in America” you really don’t miss the 20^th anniversary of this human-powered two wheeling festival! Tour de Nez  include street sprints, ride with the pros, the Comstock Circuit Race in Virginia City, the Legendary Clunker Classic, the Downtown Criterium and much more. The Tour de Nez is unique in its overall approach as a community event. It is aimed to be both “good for the body, good for the soul.” Though the race attracts notable pro cyclists, it draws all kinds of participants for the art tour bike ride, a chance to ride with the pros, the Tour de N’ally Cat…

…you get the gist!

Fun, funky, exciting, and definitely a local event you don’t want to miss!

Click here for a schedule of events!

[Image]

August 7 to 12 | Reno-Sparks 

What do a 1967 Mustang Fastback and 1952 Corvette have in common? Classic nostalgia and Americana intrigue, which you’ll definitely get your fill of at this classic car show, Hot August Nights! Go ahead — lust after vintage cars because there are plenty in store for you at this Americana extravaganza!

This event is jam-packed, and that’s not an exaggeration with this event line-up! Check out the schedule here!

Drag racing, Classic Car Auction, Free Coke Zero Nascar Racing Simulator Test, Free Classic Film Festival Featuring Marilyn Monroe the Seven Year Itch, Cruisin’ Craft Fair, live entertainment and much more! They should keep you busy and happy stepping back in time to the era of Rock n’ Roll!

What is your dream classic car?

[Image]

“The Wright Brothers created the single greatest cultural force since the invention of writing. The airplane became the first World Wide Web, bringing people, languages, ideas, and values together.”

-Bill Gates, CEO, Microsoft Corporation

If you have an appreciation for aviation, and how these machines changed the world then head out to The National Championship Air Races September 14th-18th to witness some serious racing skills. This is a competition, a motor sport, like no other. With speeds exceeding 500mph, you are sure to feel the exhilaration of aircraft whizzing through the sky.

There are six classes of aircraft, navigated by legendary champions. If you are looking for a thrilling event the whole family is sure to enjoy, then purchase your general admission ticket or box seat and be sure to peruse the vendor booths and aircraft on display.

Purchase your tickets here!

Don’t be alarmed by the sight of Darth Vader floating through the Reno/Tahoe skies this weekend. Yes, Darth Vader.

The 30th anniversary of The Great Reno Balloon Race will feature an 86-foot ballooned version of Star War’s infamous villain. In the spirit of the 2012 featured balloon, spectators are encouraged to wear “Star Wars” attire. It should be a fun spectacle of local Luke Skywalkers, Princess Leias, Obi-Wans and Hans Solos.

If you are looking for a new kind of colorful dawn patrol, then grab a warm blanket and head out to the Balloon Race Friday through Sunday at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. The first ascension of balloons begins at 5:30am, followed by the Glow Show: an illumination of the balloons accompanied by music. At 6:45am the mass ascension of competing balloons lift off and it is one beautiful sight to see.

A momentous ceremony will take place Sunday morning in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11; the official Northern Nevada tribute to the tragedy. At 5am a musical tribute begins, proceeded by Nevada’s Governor, Brian Sandoval, addressing the crowd at 6:30am before the mass ascension. Every competing balloon will don an American flag and all county officials are projected to attend.

If you’re not satisfied as a chilly morning spectator, then be sure to break out the big lens and submit your photographs for the 2011 Amateur Photo Contest. The winner will receive a hot-air balloon ride in the 2012 event and an official 2012 Balloon Race jacket. Finally, their photo will be published in the 2012 Balloon Race Event Program.

Grab your hot coffee, camera and get ready for a breathtaking morning.