Men's Journal

Football kicks off this weekend, but that’s no reason to stay glued to the couch. Take advantage of the dwindling days of good weather with an early start to Oktoberfest in Vail, a massive hot-air balloon race in Reno, or cycling festival in Folsom.

By Steven Kurtz and Nate Storey

The Great Reno Balloon Race, September 11-13
Reno, Nevada

Don’t forget to bring the coffee this weekend to watch the visual spectacle of the annual Great Reno Balloon Race in Reno, Nevada. Enjoy several competitions and events over the course of three days as over one hundred balloons take to the skies in the largest balloon race in the nation. With events starting as early as 5 am, the competitions taking place each day will end five hours later at 10 am, so get there early. Don’t miss the Dawn Patrol, where several balloon pilots licensed to fly in the dark will fly to choreographed music as the sun rises. The competitions for the weekend are also a must-see, with Balloon Blackjack—where pilots drop beanbags onto 4-foot playing cards—and other competitions demonstrating how adept these pilots are at flying their crafts. Watch the action from “the world’s largest pajama party” as spectators are encouraged to come in pajamas to the event with special prizes going to the best “bed head” in several categories. As an added bonus to the weekend, spend some time on Saturday afternoon walking around Reno for the Balloons & Tunes Wine Walk. Pay $20 and sample wine at any of the 30 participating merchants.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Reno on any major airliner. There are several lodging options to choose from in the area. The organizers of the event suggest staying with one of the major/founding sponsors of the event.

Vail Oktoberfest, September 11-13
Vail, Colorado

Oktoberfest is a lot like Christmas: the celebration begins about a month in advance. So don’t be hesitant about heading to Vail Oktoberfest this weekend and kicking off beer season even though we’re still in the early stages of September. After getting fresh drafts off the first kegs at the tapping ceremony, prove your prowess in the Beck’s Adult Keg Bowling Contest. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in the brat eating contest and see how many Bavarian sausages you can scarf. This is the time of year when Colorado’s sprawling forests turn from bright green to a blazing amber so when you’ve had your fill of brew and brats, head to nearby Glenwood Springs, consistently hailed as one of the top fishing towns in America, bask in the beautiful scenery and try your luck with the plump trout. Roaring Fork Anglers will set you up with gear and give you the low-down on the best spots.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Denver and make the two hour drive to Vail or book at shuttle through Colorado Mountain Express ($87 each way). Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa is located right by Oktoberfest in Vail village and has rates starting at $159 a night.

Cyclebration, September 11-13
Folsom, California

13 races and rides ensure loads of action at Cyclebration this weekend in the quaint northern California town of Folsom. BMXers and Freeriders will grab big air in the dirt track at Fam Jam Freeride (free to spectate, $10 to $40 to compete) while the Folsom Lake XC Mountain Bike Race is more grounded, running through a twisty track in the oak woodlands next to Folsom Lake. Two Bridges Circuit Race ($10) is a road race that jets across Lake Natoma Crossing and the historical Rainbow Bridge. Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, Folsom has hiking with spectacular views. Along with presenting brilliant lake shore vistas, the Oak Nature Trail is home to deer, wild turkey, and fox. For a bit more of a challenge try the Western States Trail, a bizarre path that features palm trees, creeks and wild grape trees.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Sacramento and make the short 20-mile trip to Folsom. 5 different hotels have “Cyclebration rates”, the cheapest being the Courtyard at the Marriott at $89 per night.