Join us as reveal the locations where you can experience hot air balloon festivals in Arizona.  There’s nothing like a clear Arizona sky full of colorful vibrant balloons. Let’s go!

Finding Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Arizona

Arizona hosts several vibrant balloon festivals annually. Pilots and enthusiasts gather across the state to launch colorful hot air balloons during the ideal flying months of October through January. The state’s year-round mild climate makes it a premier destination for ballooning events.  No matter which one you choose, remember these helpful tips:

• Dates & Tickets: Purchase tickets well in advance, as many events often sell out.
• Location & Parking: Research the location to discover the closest parking spots.
• Accessibility: The event grounds vary, some are paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers while others may be grassy or gravel.
• Weather: Dress in layers and bring a blanket to sit on the grass comfortably. Fall and winter in Arizona can be chilly.
• Arrive Early: If you want to secure a good spot for viewing the balloons in the morning.
• Bring essentials: Pack sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Respect the balloons: Maintain a safe distance from the balloons and follow instructions from event staff.
• Capture the moment: Don’t forget your camera to capture the mesmerizing sights and create lasting memories. Photo taking is always encouraged! 

Here are some of the most well known and highest attended festivals around the state that run annually or semi-annually. You can find their locations on this map if you’re trying to coordinate a balloon event with another popular Arizona attraction.

Visiting Arizona? Click here to read our blog about the many Indian caves, cliff dwellings or ancient pueblos in Arizona.

Arizona Balloon Classic

Location: Goodyear Ballpark – 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear, Arizona 85338

Overview: This festival fills the grassy fields of the Goodyear Ballpark with plenty of ballooning events including street foodfest, beer stations, live music, inflatable bounce houses, live entertainment and many other exciting events.

There is free general parking and free morning mass ascensions, but tickets are required from noon-10pm costing $22 per person. Seniors, group ticket packages, active military, and veterans cost $15, while children under 12 are free.

 Interested in some more aeronautical fun – the Desert Winds Kite Festival  is also held at the same time and location.  Balloon events are dependent on weather conditions and there are no refunds or rain checks.

What makes this a fun experience for the whole family?

Hot Air Balloon rides, Family Fun Zone, BMX Stunt shows, Desert Winds Kite Festival, Hot Air Balloon Tether rides, Live Entertainment, sampling, and many other exciting events. There is also retail shopping and commercial exhibits for purchases or browsing.

Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival

2 Locations: West Wetlands Park and Yuma’s Ray Kroc Desert Sun Stadium

Overview: The Colorado River Crossing Hot Air Balloon Festival is presented by the Caballeros de Yuma and is highlighted by the backdrop of the Colorado River and the Sonoran Desert. Admission is free with a canned food donation.

There are mass ascensions on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, with the highlight being the Desert Balloon Glow on Saturday night. Desert Glows are set in synchrony to music. Fireworks top off the evening while food vendors keep attendees satisfied all day.

A tethered ride can be purchased for about $25 per person. The early morning mass ascensions occur at West Wetland Park, while the evening glows are held at Yuma’s Ray Kroc Desert Sun Stadium.

Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair

Location: Lake Havasu State Park (Windsor 4) 171 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Overview: The Havasu Balloon Festival usually runs from Thursday to Sunday with plenty of fun activities to keep everyone happy including Sunrise Flag Ceremony, Tethered and untethered balloon rides, Live entertainment, unique balloons in special shapes,  festival food favorites, and kids zone activities.  

If you’re arriving to the area with a camper, there is RV Parking nearby at Lake Havasu State Park.

You can gain free admission to the balloon festival if you sign up for their 5K/10K Fun Run. Tickets range from $15 for general admission to $65 for VIP tickets. 

Page Lake Powell Balloon Regatta

Location: 400 Clubhouse Dr, Page, AZ 86040 (Lake Powell National Golf Course)

Overview: The Lake Powell Balloon Regatta is a family friendly event that includes 4 days of flying 60 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes. There are educational events, live music, carnival games, rides, kids activities, food vendors and a Saturday night balloon glow.

This event even asks for volunteers to help set up and taken down the balloons, so if you’re interested in a hands-on experience this event may be for you!

There is tent camping, RV camping and plenty of hotels nearby as the Vermillion Cliffs and Lake Powell are popular areas to visit. This event is free to attend.

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Road Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Overview: Twenty hot air balloons transform into trick-or-treat stations, handing out over 4,000 pounds of candy at this family-friendly event.

Guests can showcase their costumes in a lively contest, take tethered balloon rides, savor delicious offerings from food vendors, and explore a vibrant free kids zone. As night falls, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky.

Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 3-12, with festivities running from 5 PM to 9:30 PM.  

White Mountains Balloon Festival

Location: Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex 1101 S. Woodland Road in Lakeside, AZ

Overview: The community of Lakeside hosts a free, family-friendly balloon event that launches with an energetic live music concert. Sponsors organize this intimate gathering featuring 18-20 balloons, with tethered or untethered rides available exclusively to balloon sponsors.

Pilots schedule morning flights between 6-8 AM to avoid daytime heat. The event’s evening glow showcases illuminated balloons starting around 8 PM, complemented by live music, diverse retail and food vendors, and a lively beer garden.

Fun facts Hot Air Balloons

•  The first manned flight was in a balloon accomplished in 1783 by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and Francois Laurent.
• Arizona has many Native American ruins that can be seen from a hot air balloon, including cliff dwellings, pueblos, and petroglyphs. Find out more about Arizona’s native past by reading our blog post about this topic. 
• You can make a homemade hot air balloon using a plastic garbage bag and a hairdryer.

Interested in booking a hot air balloon ride for yourself?

 Click here to see a private tour company in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area that specializes in sunrise balloon rides. 

Click here if you’re interested in learning more about the anatomy of a hot air balloon