Arizona Balloon Classic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1) When do the hot air balloons fly? – PEAK FLYING/GLOWING TIMES – Early in the morning, just  when the sun is up. The hot air balloon ascensions take place at or around 7:30am on Saturday &  Sunday mornings. Afternoon flights happen around 4pm determined by the weather. Hot air  balloons DO NOT FLY in the middle of a breezy Arizona winter day (between the hours of 10am – 4pm NO BALLOON ACTIVITY). 

2) Can you buy a hot air balloon ride at the Arizona Balloon Classic site? Absolutely, reservation will take place on the Arizona Balloon Classic website directly. YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THE EXPERIENCE!!!

3) What about a tethered hot air balloon ride? Yep, a tethered hot air balloon ride is a hot air  balloon tied down and goes up to 75’. You can purchase a tethered hot air balloon ride at the  ABC13 event site for $30 per person – adults and $15 kids 12 and under. 

4) So, what’s a hot air balloon “Glow”? Well, hot air balloons generally DO NOT FLY at night. So,  hot air balloons STATIC display on the ground around sunset and called a “Glow”. It’s the coolest  thing you’ll ever see. Giant hot air balloons lit up at night to music. You can walk around the hot air  balloons and visit with the pilot and crew. The Arizona Balloon Classic “Glows” are on Friday &  Saturday nights and start around 6:30pm (sunset). 

5) What should I bring to the Arizona Balloon Classic? Bring a camera. Practice your photography.  We’ll be having contests for the best hot air balloon pix! 

6) Who’s the Arizona Balloon Classic Charity this year?American Legion Crandell-Palmar Post #61 – to raise funds for the local Homeless Veterans programs. Homeless Veteran numbers are out of control in our country!!! Please HELP eradicate the problem. Our Veterans NEED physical, mental & financial help – they deserve it!!! www.alpost61.org

7) What should I wear? Dress warm and in layers. It’s cold in the morning but heats up as the sun  comes up. It’s just the opposite during the “Glow”. Bring warm clothes. When the sun goes down, it  gets cold. 

8) Can I bring lawn chairs and blankets? Absolutely… Make yourself at home, get comfortable and  stay awhile.  

9) What about food and drinks? No outside food or drinks.  Our 8th Annual Street Foodfest is set for a culinary experience including beer tents and VIP. Come  hungry and stay for a while…

10) How does parking work? FREE PARKING – Please follow all parking and directional signs

11) What if there is bad weather? This is a “Rain or Shine” event. All ballooning events are dependent  on the weather. Wind could affect the ballooning events as well. In the case of bad weather, you’ll  be able to use your ticket for the next ballooning event the same weekend. There are no refunds. 

12) Can I re-enter the event? There will be a re-entry wristband offered for FREE after the Saturday morning races to the Saturday night “Glow” events. Sunday is FREE to attend the Arizona Balloon  Classic. 

13) How can I get a ticket? Link will be available soon at www.abcfest.com

14) Is the Arizona Balloon Classic Handicap Accessible? Yes, there is handicap parking up close to  the gate and the Arizona Balloon Classic event site is handicap accessible as well with both grass  and blacktop surfaces.  

15) We need HELP at the Arizona Balloon Classic? Sign up here to volunteer: https://volunteersignup.org/AC43F 

16) Sponsorships & Retail vending space is still available. Send us contact info to  info@azeventsgroup.com.  

17) What’s the best way to ask additional questions? Send us additional questions to  info@azeventsgroup.com. Send questions to the Arizona Balloon Classic social media links as well  on Face book, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok.