Best in West Rib Cookoff, Reno Balloon Races and National Championship Air Races Make September in Reno a Can’t Miss Event
Reno Nevada -When fall comes knocking at the door in the Sierra Reno Nevada will take front stage with three of the worlds most exciting events. Travelers and regional visitors will flock to the Northern Nevada Region to enjoy some great food and turn their eyes and imaginations to the sky. Each summer comes to a close in the Sierra Nevada and seems to launch everyone into some of the craziest and fun festivals on the planet. A great time to travel ot Reno Tahoe is September when three of the biggest crowd pleasing events take flight.
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off
The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off get’s the action started Aug 31 – Sep 5 2022
Often referred to as the Super Bowl of rib competitions on the national BBQ competition circuit, the annual Labor Day Weekend event spans more than 6 city blocks in the heart of downtown Sparks, Nevada. Two dozen of the country’s best BBQ teams competed for nearly $20,000 in prize money plus prestigious bragging rights! It is estimated that 350,000-400,000 BBQ enthusiasts take part of the festivities each year consuming more than 250,000 pounds of mouthwatering ribs during the 6-day festival.
In addition to the best BBQ around, a wide variety of activities are offered including a huge arts and crafts vendor show, Beer Garden, Kids Carnival, VIP Area and top named entertainment performing on two stages. There is no admission fee and the event is open to the public.
THE GREAT RENO BALLOON RACE
Next in line is the Great Reno Balloon race – SEP 9-11 2022 – Don’t miss the 41st Anniversary event in Reno 2022.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free hot-air balloon event, but that’s not the only thing that makes it special. Since its humble beginnings in 1982, this event has been near and dear to the community and the region. Children who attended the event in those early days now have children of their own they bring to the event; some even bring grandchildren. It’s a staple for anyone growing up within a hundred miles, and people across the globe are drawn to it year after year.
The event has grown dramatically in size from just 20 hot-air balloons in 1982 to upwards of 100 colored masterpieces taking to the sky, including a variety of special shapes. With an average of 130,000+ people attending the event each
year, the number of lives touched by the beautiful spectacle continues to rise just like the balloons themselves.
On the ground, spectators—some clad in pajamas—sit atop blankets or folding chairs gripping hot beverages or mimosas and gaze into the early morning sky for the ethereal Glow Show that takes place before the sun even peeks above the
horizon. Following that, some hot-air balloons launch for Dawn Patrol, the rest rise later at Mass Ascension, and a select group begins the competition portion of the
eponymous race, while tens of thousands of visitors look on in awe, patronize vendors, and take tethered rides in the balloons that aren’t gunning for the win.
This family-friendly event spills into the skies in the early morning and brings a smile to every face in the valley. Now in its 41st year, The Great Reno Balloon Race is nothing short of tradition—and with 100 percent of visitors surveyed reporting that they would recommend the event to friends and 98 percent planning to return, the tradition will only continue to grow.
STIHL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES
The National Airshow Races Cap off the month on SEP 14-18 2022 – The 2022 STIHL National Championship Air Races returns to Reno, featuring head-to-head air racing at speeds that can exceed 500 mph!
Over 50 years ago, the first plane went up in the Nevada desert to kick off what would become the STIHL National Championship Air Races and a legacy was born. A legacy of history, heritage and preservation. Of daring, imagination and wonder. Of memories made, traditions formed and legends created one amazing race at a time. Engines roaring. Crowds cheering. Hearts pounding. Eight planes racing wing-tip to wing-tip, 50 feet above the ground at speeds up to more than 500 mph. This is the fastest motorsport on Earth – a one-of-a-kind thrill you have to see, hear and feel to believe. This is classic, cool and contemporary all rolled into one. This is life at 500 miles per hour. This is the STIHL National Championship Air Races. The 2022 STIHL National Championship Air Races will be held September 14-18.
While the core of the event boasts the world’s fastest motorsport with seven race classes going head-to-head at speeds often exceeding 500 mph, the Reno Air Races also features an impressive air show as well as on-ground displays, competitions and vendors.
Fans will see demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, F-35A Lightning II, Tucker’s Air Patrol and Jim Peitz Aerosports. On the ground fans will get to experience the National Aviation Heritage Invitation, the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone and the racing pits, an aviation fan favorite.