Arizona Balloon Classic 2025

What can be better than flying a hot air balloon over a desert? Arizona Balloon Classic is a perfect occasion to try this unique experience. During one weekend in late January (or early February), the sky over Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona, gets covered with bright hot air balloons. “Hare & Hound” races, which take place in the mornings, are the main attraction of Arizona's premier ballooning festival. Desert Glow on Friday and Saturday evenings is another atmospheric and popular event.

Festival Program

The festival attracts thousands of spectators, who can witness balloons' inflation and lift off. Hot Air Balloons and Tether rides are also available. Other attractions of the festival include live music, Family Fun Zone, inflatables, exhibits, tastings, BMX stunt show, and various entertainment. Local vendors will be offering food, beverages, and numerous souvenirs for purchase. Arizona Baloon Classics also features the Annual Street Foodfest, with plenty of tasty treats to sample.

At dusk, visitors can relax to the sounds of music strolling through the field, full of illuminated hot air balloons. They glow in sync with the music. In the mornings, attendees witness the teams' preparation for lift-off. They check equipment and ropes before a spectacular start when dozens of balloons take off at once. The aerial hare-and-hound race is the most exciting time at the festival.

Festival Schedule & Tickets

The festival grounds are open for free morning lift-offs from 7 am until 9 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To enjoy tethered rides and balloon glows, visitors need to purchase a ticket. Paid activities are available from 12 pm until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday. General admission is $22. Seniors of 55+ get general admission at $15, and military, veterans, and children under 12 years old are granted free admission. Stay & Play Pass costs $199 and comes with access to the entire festival, the VIP area, and the RV parking space.

Location in Goodyear

Arizona Balloon Classic takes place at the Goodyear Ballpark, located in the stunning city of Goodyear, Maricopa County. The stadium serves as a perfect venue for ballooning, but also is conveniently situated opposite of Phoenix-Goodyear Airport, which means if you'd like to visit the festival but are out of town, you can easily fly in from any part of the country. Goodyear is a suburb of Phoenix and is in close proximity to many other major cities, including Glendale and Gilbert.