The 16th Arizona Balloon Classic
Arizona’s Premier Hot Air Balloon Race & Festival
In Loving Memory of Nanette Duncan
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the passing of our Vice President of Event Management, Nanette Duncan — my great friend and trusted business partner of 35 years.
Nanette was not only a cornerstone of Arizona Events Group — she was a co-founder, a visionary, and the steady hand behind so much of what we built together. She was the co-creator of the annual Arizona Balloon Classic, Street Foodfest, and countless other festivals and events produced and coordinated across the Southwest over the past 15 years. If you’ve attended one of our events and felt the magic in the details, you experienced Nanette’s touch.
She was kind. She was passionate. She was professional. She was a true leader. Fair in every decision, steady in every storm, and without question the most organized business partner anyone could ever ask for. Nanette believed in doing things the right way — with integrity, excellence, and heart.
For 35 years, we built something special together. We solved problems, celebrated wins, weathered challenges, and created experiences that brought joy to hundreds of thousands of people. She was my sounding board, my partner, and one of the most important people in my life.
There will be no other Nanette Duncan.
Nanette — we did good. We did good.
On behalf of everyone at Arizona Events Group, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives she impacted. Her legacy lives on in every event we produce and every standard of excellence we uphold.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Corporate Memorial Statement
From Tim Matykiewicz, President & CEO, Arizona Events Group
Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds
Location: Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds – 19593 S 48th St. Chandler, Az 85226 – Gila River Indian Community
Dates: January 15–17, 2027 (Friday–Sunday)
Event Hours: Friday, 1/15: 4PM – 9PM, Saturday, 1/16: 7AM – 9PM, Sunday, 1/17, 7AM – 9PM
Morning Balloon Ascensions (Saturday & Sunday): 7:30 AM – 8:30AM
Evening Balloon Glows: 7:00 PM – 9PM
Experiences
Dive into the magical attractions and experiences that the Arizona Balloon Classic has to offer for all ages.
Hot Air Balloon Rides & Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experiences
Desert Glows
10th Annual Street FoodFest
FAQ
Hot air balloons launch early in the morning just after sunrise.
- Saturday & Sunday Mornings: ~7:30 AM
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday Afternoon Flights: Possible around 4:00 PM, weather permitting
Note: Balloons do not fly during the breezy midday hours (10 AM–4 PM).
Balloons do not fly during the warm, breezy midday hours. (10 AM–4 PM).
A “Glow” takes place when balloons are inflated and illuminated on the ground after sunset — no flying, just brilliant color and music.
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings
- Starts around 7:00 PM
Walk among the balloons, take photos, and meet the pilots & crew as they light up the sky.
YES — ABC16 will feature official hot air balloon competition tasks on Saturday & Sunday mornings!
These balloon competitions are designed so that pilots launch from off-site locations and fly into the festival grounds, aiming for large targets placed inside the event venue.
Guests will be able to watch:
– Fly-ins (pilot navigates toward a target on the field) – Darts from the sky
– Drop Marker Targets – Bag Drop
– Precision tasks that test pilot skill, timing & wind reading – Casino Chip Grab
These flights offer some of the most exciting ballooning moments of the entire weekend — perfect for photography and early-morning spectators!
Yes, pets must be friendly with other animals, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Please note that it is at our discretion whether a pet is allowed to remain at the event.
Absolutely!
- Adults: $30
- Kids 12 & under: $15
Tethered balloons stay secured to the ground and rise up to ~75 feet — great for first-timers and families. - On sale only on the event site
- All ballooning activities are weather-dependent. No refunds.
- Tether rides are mornings 8am – 10am (Saturday, Sunday) & 6pm – 8pm evenings (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
We’re excited to announce:
ABC16 is returning to the Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds — where it all started in 2011! 19593 S. 48th St, Chandler, AZ 85226
Tickets on sale soon…
ABC15 is a Rain or Shine event, but ballooning is weather-dependent.
- Wind, rain, or unsafe conditions may delay or cancel balloon operations
- Tickets are non-refundable, but can be used for another session in the same weekend
Re-entry is not permitted for GA tickets – Unless you purchase the Classic Pass that allows you to come and go all weekend.
Classic Passes available soon…
Yes. ABC16 offers accessible parking near the main entrance and a mix of gravel & grass areas for mobility ease.
Outside food & drinks are not permitted.
But don’t worry — the 10th Annual Street FoodFest will have:
– Amazing food & dessert trucks
– Beer tents
- Camera or phone (photo contests running all weekend!)
- Lawn chairs or blankets
- Sunscreen
- Great energy for early mornings & glowing sunsets
Dress in layers:
- Mornings = cold
- Afternoons = warm
- Glow evenings = chilly after sunset
Parking is $10 per vehicle, managed by Wild Horse Pass.
⭐ Pro Tip: Saturday & Sunday evenings – PARKING fill fast — arrive by 3 PM for the Glows.
Volunteer sign up coming soon…
We’re here to help!
info@azeventsgroup.com
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Join the Adventure
Don't miss out on the excitement! Get your tickets today and create joyful memories at the Arizona Balloon Classic.