Few things are more nostalgic than hot air balloon festivals, and one of the biggest and best in Arizona is lifting off in just over a month. The 10th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic will feature entertainment, food, and—of course—over a dozen magical hot air balloons in every color, shape, and size imaginable. It’s going to be a spectacle of epic proportions with activities the whole family can enjoy.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Arizona Balloon Classic will take to the skies on Friday, April 30.
Facebook/Arizona Balloon Classic The three-day event kicks off at 6 a.m. and will run until noon on Sunday, May 2.
Up to 15 larger-than-life hot air balloons are expected to participate.
Arizona Balloon Classic website Each morning, the balloons will take off from Goodyear Ballpark to compete in thrilling “Hare and Hound” races that put their aerodynamics to the test.
Spectators are invited to come and watch the races from balloon inflation all the way to liftoff.
Arizona Balloon Classic website The races will take place from 6:35 a.m. until 7:35 a.m. on Friday through Sunday.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the festival really comes to life with “Desert Glows.”
Facebook/Arizona Balloon Classic The most popular event of the entire Arizona Balloon Classic, dozens of balloons will light up the darkness in time to music. Don’t forget to bring a camera, as photo-taking is strongly encouraged. You’ll definitely want to stick around for the Saturday night fireworks!
While the balloons are obviously the main attraction, there’s so much more to see and do at the festival.
Facebook/Arizona Balloon Classic From live music to water slides and inflatable bounce zones, the whole family is sure to have a blast. You’d better come hungry, too—the 4th Annual Street Food Fest promises a culinary experience complete with a beer garden and all your favorite concession stand eats.
How does flying up, up, and away on a tethered balloon ride sound?
Facebook/Arizona Balloon Classic You’ll soar high above the desert landscape, coming face-to-face with lofty mountain peaks and feeling on top of the world.
General admission is $20 per person if you buy tickets online ($25 at the gate).
Facebook/Arizona Balloon Classic Several upgrades are available, including the $99 per person VIP Classic Pass. This ticket includes a custom T-shirt that grants you free entry all weekend, $30 in food and beverage credits, one hot air balloon ride, and more. An in-between option is the “Ticket T,” which costs $40 per person and includes the aforementioned T-shirt.
Children 12 and under, active duty military and their spouses, and veterans get in free. Admission is free for everyone from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 2. Visit the festival’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
Facebook/Arizona Balloon Classic
The three-day event kicks off at 6 a.m. and will run until noon on Sunday, May 2.
Arizona Balloon Classic website
Each morning, the balloons will take off from Goodyear Ballpark to compete in thrilling “Hare and Hound” races that put their aerodynamics to the test.
The races will take place from 6:35 a.m. until 7:35 a.m. on Friday through Sunday.
The most popular event of the entire Arizona Balloon Classic, dozens of balloons will light up the darkness in time to music. Don’t forget to bring a camera, as photo-taking is strongly encouraged. You’ll definitely want to stick around for the Saturday night fireworks!
From live music to water slides and inflatable bounce zones, the whole family is sure to have a blast. You’d better come hungry, too—the 4th Annual Street Food Fest promises a culinary experience complete with a beer garden and all your favorite concession stand eats.
You’ll soar high above the desert landscape, coming face-to-face with lofty mountain peaks and feeling on top of the world.
Several upgrades are available, including the $99 per person VIP Classic Pass. This ticket includes a custom T-shirt that grants you free entry all weekend, $30 in food and beverage credits, one hot air balloon ride, and more. An in-between option is the “Ticket T,” which costs $40 per person and includes the aforementioned T-shirt.
Have you ever attended the Arizona Balloon Classic? If so, will you be returning this year? What activity are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for another epic hot air balloon ride you can only take in Arizona.
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Address: 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA
