The Arizona Balloon Classic by Arizona Events Group will be hosting its 11th annual festival Fri., Jan. 28 through Sun., Jan. 30. This outdoor event will feature shows and activities throughout the day and evening for the whole family. Up to 25 hot air balloons, including special shapes, will participate in the morning and evening balloon shows.
The Arizona Balloon Classic will be held at the Goodyear Ballpark, located at 1933 S. Ballpark Way. Gates will be open on Friday, January 28 from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, January 29 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday, January 30 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Arizona Balloon Classic
On Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 30, from 7:35 – 8:35 a.m., the Arizona dawn sky will fill with brilliant blues, purples, oranges, and reds as the hot air balloons participate in thrilling “Hare and Hound” races from the grassy fields of the Goodyear Ballpark for a spectacular sight of mass and color. Spectators can walk on the field right next to the balloons and experience the inflation and lift off. Photo taking is invited.
Desert Glow
On Friday, January 28, from 6:30- 7:30 p.m., experience a field full of tethered, illuminated, hot air balloons glowing in time to music.
Saturday, January 29, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., will feature a Pilots Parade with a constant burn of purple, green, red and yellow flames from the balloons. A fireworks show and the Desert Glow will follow after the parade.
Family Fun Zone
An assortment of activities, including hot air balloon rides and tethered rides, inflatable games, BMX stunt bike shows, Desert Winds Kite Festival, fireworks (Saturday only), live entertainment, sampling, and more will be available at the event.
Taste of the Classic
Bring your appetite because The Taste of the Classic is truly a culinary experience! Enjoy a variety of beer, wine, festival food favorites, live music stage, and more.
2nd Annual Desert Winds Kite Festival
A new, daytime exhibit has been added, the Desert Wind Kite Festival by My Wind Stuff. Show kites larger than semi-trucks, windsocks larger than motorhomes, and a 50-foot Mega Fish Kite will be flying high in the sky on Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30. There will also be candy canons, paper rocket making and launching, and parachute racing for all ages. Kites for all ages and abilities will be on hand for sale, including single line, dual line sport kites and quad line stunt kites.
Community Partnership
Each year, Arizona Balloon Classic donates a portion of beverage and ticket sales to a local nonprofit. This year’s community partner is Valley of the Sun United Way. One dollar from each ticket sold at the 2022 Arizona Balloon Classic will be dedicated to Valley of the Sun United Way.
For other event details, including the full schedule and ticket prices, visit abcfest.com.
