ABC16 Event Info
16th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic
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 Schedule
- Event Hours: Friday, 1/16: 4PM – 9PM, Saturday, 1/17: 7AM – 9PM, Sunday, 7AM – 9PM
- Morning Balloon Ascensions/Task Competitions (Saturday & Sunday): 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Evening Balloon Glows: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Tether rides are mornings 8am – 10am (Saturday, Sunday) & 6pm – 8pm evenings (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
All ballooning activities are weather-dependent. No refunds.
What to Expect
- Balloons: Sport & recreational 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! 2027 includes hot air balloon task competition where the hot air balloons fly into the event to compete in different obstacle tasks.
- 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
- DJ and live 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
10th 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 or hot air balloon tethered ride)
COMING SOON…
All ballooning activities are weather-dependent. No refunds.
Note: Event schedule and attractions subject to change.
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
9th Annual Street FoodFest
BMX Stunt Shows
Retail Shopping
Live Music & DJs
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.