Everything You Need to Know  

15th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic – NEW LOCATION, BACK WHERE IT ALL STARTED 

Location: Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds – 19593 S 48th St. Chandler, Az 85226 – Gila River Indian Community Dates: January 16–18, 2026 (Friday–Sunday) 

Event Schedule 

Event Hours: Friday, 1/16: 4PM – 9PM, Saturday, 1/17: 7AM – 9PM, Sunday, 7AM – 9PM 

Morning Balloon Ascensions: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 

Evening Balloon Glows: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM 

All ballooning activities are weather-dependent. No refunds. 

What to Expect 

Balloons: Up to 25 hot-air balloons, including eye-catching special shapes 

Attendance: 1,000s of spectators are expected 

Ascensions: Each morning, witness a sky filled with vibrant hot-air balloons. Guests are invited onto the field to watch inflations and  liftoffs up close—perfect for photos! 

Desert Glows: Our most popular attraction! Each evening, a field of tethered balloons lights up the night in a stunning “GLOW” display. 

More Attractions 

Hot Air Balloon Rides & Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experiences 

Family Fun Zone – FREE inflatables & BMX stunt shows 

Live music, DJs, and entertainment all weekend 

Retail vendors and commercial exhibits for browsing and shopping 

The HUB – A VIP Experience with snacks, catered meals, shaded lounge, and more 

NEW – the “Classic Car Show”

9th Annual Street FoodFest 

Come hungry! Enjoy a wide selection of festival food favorites, local eats, beer tents, live & DJ music throughout the weekend. Tickets & Admission (does NOT include a hot air balloon ride) 

15th Anniversary Special – $15 tickets go on sale Friday, November 28th, 2025 at www.abcfest.com

At the Gate: $20 per person 

FREE Admission: Active Military, Veterans, and Kids 12 & Under 

All ballooning activities are weather-dependent. No refunds.

Note: Event schedule and attractions subject to change.