The skies over the Valley will once again fill with color, glow and high-flying excitement as the Arizona Balloon Classic returns January 16–18, 2026. This milestone 15th anniversary marks a full-circle moment as the beloved festival heads back to Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds, where it first launched in 2011 in partnership with the Gila River Indian Community.

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Big skies, bright balloons and all-day fun

Spanning three days, the Arizona Balloon Classic blends competitive hot air balloon racing with immersive family entertainment, live music, food and one of the most photographed balloon glow experiences in the Southwest.

“Welcoming the Arizona Balloon Classic back to Wild Horse Pass is especially meaningful for us. This event has such a strong history here, and bringing it back for the 15th anniversary allows us to showcase the beauty of the site while creating a memorable experience for families, ballooning fans and thousands of visitors from across the Valley.”

Dave Horen, Director of Entertainment at Gila River Development

What to expect in the sky

This year’s event will feature 20 hot air balloons registered for competition, including sport, recreational and special shape balloons that add extra character to the skies. Morning sessions allow guests to step onto the field and experience balloon inflations and liftoffs up close, while pilots launch into precision-driven competitive task flights. In the evenings, the festival’s signature Desert Glows illuminate the night with tethered balloons lighting up in unison.

“The East Valley has always been an important part of the Arizona Balloon Classic’s story,” says Tim Matykiewicz, president and CEO of Arizona Event Groups. “We’re grateful to partner with the Gila River Indian Community to create a weekend that brings people together while contributing to the region’s tourism and economic activity.”

More than balloons

Beyond ballooning, the Arizona Balloon Classic delivers a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment, including:

• Hot air balloon rides and tethered experiences
• The Family Fun Zone with free inflatables and BMX stunt shows
• Live DJs and performances throughout the weekend
• Retail vendors and commercial exhibits
• The Hub, a VIP experience with catered meals, snacks, shaded seating and premium viewing areas
• The 9th Annual Street FoodFest, featuring local eats, festival favorites, beer tents and live music

Event details

Location: Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds
19593 S. 48th St., Chandler, AZ 85226
Gila River Indian Community

Dates: Friday–Sunday, January 16–18, 2026

Hours:

• Friday, Jan. 16: 4–9 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 17: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Sunday, Jan. 18: 7 a.m.–9 p.m.

Tickets & admission

• Advance tickets: $18 (on sale now)
• At the gate: $20
• Seniors (55+): $15
• Group rate (10+): $12 per person
• Parking: $10
• Free admission for kids 12 and under, and active military and veterans with military ID

Tickets are required per balloon session. Morning launches and evening glows require separate tickets unless purchasing a Classic Pass, which allows full-weekend access. For more information, visit abcfest.com.